Farmers awareness, participation and participation intensity of organic tomato production in south-West Nigeria: A Triple Hurdle Model estimation

Agriculture is usually categorised into organic agriculture and non-organic agriculture. Organic agriculture is still at the initial development stage in Nigeria. Hence, its awareness and participation in it is still low. Therefore, this study determined the effects of factors affecting the awareness, adoption and quantity of organic tomato production in South-West Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the factors influencing famers’ awareness about organic farming practices, determined the factors influencing farmers’ decision to participate in organic tomato production and determined the factors affecting the intensity of participation in organic tomato farming. A total of 384 vegetable farmers were sampled using structured questionnaire instrument. However, only 155 farmers produced tomatoes. Therefore, data analysis was based on the 155 tomato farmers. Data was analysed using the Triple Hurdle Model. The first and second stage of the hurdle for awareness and adoption respectively, were estimated using the Probit model. The third stage for the intensity of participation was estimated using a Lognormal multiple regression model. Results showed that the probability of awareness and adoption increased for farmers that were single, member of cooperatives/association and received extension services. However, the quantity of organic tomato produced increased for male household. Therefore, we conclude that the use of extension agents, associations and information media were pivotal to engineer the development of organic farming in Nigeria. Thus, continuous sensitization of farmers and provision of organic news on radios and other information media should be enhanced for increased awareness and possible adoption of organic farming. Keywords: Organic agriculture, tomato production, Nigeria, Triple Hurdle Model