Maize Farmers’ Perception of Fraudulent Practices among Agricultural Input Retailers in Ibadan/Ibarapa Agricultural Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined farmers' perception of fraudulent practices among agricultural input retailers in the Ibadan/Ibarapa Agricultural Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select 75 registered maize farmers from the Ibadan/Ibarapa Agricultural Zone of Oyo State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on farmers’ perceptions of fraudulent practices among agricultural input retailers. The data gathered were analysed using frequency, mean statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), and Tobit regression models. Results show that the majority of the farmers indicated that the sale of expired agrochemicals, including fertilizers (80.0%), herbicides (81.3%), pesticides (84.0%), broken (80.0%) and diseased seeds (82.7%), false labeling (77.3%), and adjusted measuring scales (85.3%), were the weightiest fraudulent practices among agricultural input retailers. Farmers perceived that fraudulent practices have a negative impact on maize production (p = 0.001). It is evident that fraudulent practices negatively impacted agricultural production. Therefore, to reduce the sale and proliferation of sub-standard agricultural inputs, extension agents should train farmers to recognise quality products. Agro-dealers associations must oversee members and enforce standards. Regulatory agencies should conduct inspections and impose sanctions. The government must fund and coordinate oversight efforts.