Socio-Economic Determinants of Farmers’ Willingness to Participate in Tomato Production in Apa Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria
Tomato production is an important agricultural enterprise that contributes to household income, employment generation, and food security in Nigeria. Despite its economic importance, farmers' willingness to participate in tomato production varies due to differences in socio-economic characteristics and production conditions. This study examined the socio-economic determinants of farmers' willingness to participate in tomato production in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 110 tomato farmers selected through a multistage sampling technique using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The dependent variable was farmers' willingness to participate in tomato production, while the explanatory variables included sex, age, educational level, marital status, household size, occupation, labour source, market access, extension access, credit access, and access to production inputs. The results of the binary logistic regression revealed that occupation was the only variable that significantly influenced farmers' willingness to participate in tomato production (p < 0.05). Farmers whose primary occupation was farming were more likely to participate in tomato production than those engaged mainly in non-farm occupations. Other variables, including sex, age, educational level, marital status, household size, labour source, market access, extension access, credit access, and access to production inputs, did not significantly influence willingness to participate. The study concludes that livelihood orientation plays a crucial role in shaping farmers' participation decisions. Strengthening agriculture as a viable livelihood option and improving farmers' access to productive resources and support services will contribute to sustainable tomato production and improved rural livelihoods in the study area.