Assessment of Farmers’ Awareness, Economic Potentials and Limitations on the Production of Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L) in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted in the South-West region of Nigeria to assess farmers’ awareness of the economic potentials and constraints associated with kenaf production. Agricultural zones under the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) in Oyo, Ogun and Ekiti States were selected for the study. Data were collected with well-structured questionnaire from 235 farmers across the 3 States and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that more males (70.2%) were involved in the farming activities than female (29.8%), the mean age of the farmers was 48±22 years and the sources of agricultural information were mostly radio and extension agents. The results indicate that none of the farmers cultivate kenaf. Farmers have little knowledge of the potentials of kenaf as 53.2% knows that the young kenaf plant can be eaten as vegetable while 38.30% and 22.13% know that kenaf fibre can  be used to make produce bag and extraction of oil for cooking. Perceived constraints are non-familiarity with the crop, inadequate information and knowledge on its utilization. It was therefore, recommended that sensitization programme be organized for farmers to bring relevant information and about the potentials of kenaf in the south west Nigeria.