FARMERS’PERCEPTION ON THE STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING TOMATO PRODUCTION IN KABBA-BUNU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

The study was carried out in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State, Nigeria in the year 2013 to assess the farmers’ perception on the strategies for increasing tomato production in the LGA; an area that has potential to produce tomato on commercial level. The objectives of the study were to identify the cultural and agronomic practices considered to boost yield, identify farm inputs, training needs and credit facilities necessary for increasing production of tomato. Ninety tomato farmers were interviewed through the use of structured interview schedule and data analysis was carried out using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics such as correlation. Results showed that more females than males were involved in tomato production in the study area, while mean age of farmers was 45.6±14.7years. The results of the study also showed that adequate and timely preparation of land, use of improved seeds and fertilizer, irrigation facilities during dry season, prompt access to credit facilities among others were perceived as necessary strategies for increasing tomato production. The correlation results showed positive and significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics of tomato farmers such as level of education(r=0.408), extension contact (r=0.398) and income from tomato production (r= 0.334) and strategies adopted for increased in tomato production (P≤ 0.01). The study therefore recommended the need for the provision of adequate training, necessary incentives, provision of infrastructural facilitates and improved variety of tomato to farmers as a panacea for sustainable and commercial production of tomato in the area of study. KEYWORDS: Agronomic practices, credit facilities, incentives, strategy, training needs, tomato