SUBSIDIZED FERTILIZER USE INTENSITY AMONG SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA: A DOUBLE HURDLE APPROACH

This study analyzed factors that influenced farmers’ use intensity of subsidized fertilizer in Enugu state, Nigeria with specific objectives to determine factors that influenced small scale farmers’ decision to participate in fertilizer subsidy programme and factors that influenced small scale farmers’ use intensity of subsidized fertilizer. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 180 respondents from whom data were collected using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data was analyzed using generalized double hurdle model. Results showed that age, education level, primary occupation, household size, value of asset, price of fertilizer and extension contact significantly influenced small scale farmers’ decision to participate in fertilizer subsidy programme. It was further revealed that education level, gender of household head, farm size, farm income, distance to source, access to credit and extension contact significantly influenced small scale farmers’ use intensity of subsidized fertilizer. It was recommended that government should ensure that the distance of subsidized fertilizer outlets is not too far from farmers in rural areas so as not to increase their transaction cost in quest of procuring the commodity. Agricultural extension activities should be increased in the area and extension agents should enlighten aging farmers and female household heads on the benefits of using fertilizer and how to access government subsidized fertilizer.