SORGHUM STORAGE AND PEST CONTROL AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was carried out to analyse the sorghum storage and pest control in Kwara State. A multi–stage sam pling technique was used to select sample for the study. Descriptive statistics and logit regression analysis were the analytical tools employed to achieve the research objectives. The results showed that the respondents have an av erage age of 46 years with an average family size of 9 persons. They have an average storage experience of 14 years with the majority (42.5%) were uneducated. The agro-chemicals mostly used by the respondents are Actellic liquid, Actellic dust and Phostoxin Tablet to prevent pest infestation and spoilage. The analysis showed that edu cational level, household size and access to credit having the t-values of 2.197, -3.075 and 2.539 respectively were the significant factors explaining the usage of improved storage facilities in the study area. For effective pests and disease control through adequate access to pesticide and appropriate storage facilities, policies like loan schemes that would substantially improve households’ access to use and acquisition of credits will facilitate the usage of improved storage techniques and consequently will enhance households’ income.