ABSTRACT
This study examines the impact of agricultural extension services on farmers’ access to affordable agricultural inputs during economic shocks, evaluates the accessibility and effectiveness of extension services in supporting smallholder farmers amid economic disruptions, and analyzes constraints affecting extension performance in reducing the adverse effects of input inflation and unstable markets. Data were collected through structured surveys administered to a stratified random sample of 425 smallholder farmers. Sampling ensured representation across various agro-ecological zones vulnerable to economic shocks. Multiple linear regression with interaction terms revealed that extension services significantly improve access to affordable inputs (β = 0.45, p < 0.01), with stronger effects observed among farmers with higher education levels and credit access. Ordered logistic regression indicated that extension accessibility and perceived effectiveness positively influence farmers’ likelihood to adopt recommended practices during economic disruptions (OR = 1.68, p < 0.05), controlling for demographic and socio-economic factors. Factor analysis of 20 identified constraints extracted four key factors—Institutional and Staffing Constraints, Economic Constraints, Logistical Access Issues, and Policy/Input System Failures—with high loadings on variables such as lack of qualified staff (0.78), rising input prices (0.73), poor road infrastructure (0.76), and weak input supply chains (0.71). These findings highlight multifaceted barriers limiting extension service effectiveness during economic shocks. The study concludes that strengthening extension capacity, stabilizing input markets, improving rural infrastructure, and enhancing policy coordination are essential. Recommendations include investing in extension personnel, regulating input prices, expanding rural ICT and transport infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships to build resilience and ensure sustainabl

ABSTRACT
This study examined gender and food security status of smallholder upland and swamp rice farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It aimed to: (i) describe the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers by gender; (ii) determine their food security status by gender; and (iii) estimate the effects of socioeconomic factors, technology gap, and economic efficiency on food security outcomes across gender and production systems. Study Design, Place, and Duration: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The study was conducted in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, between January and August 2025. Methodology: A multistage sampling technique was used to select 180 rice farmers, stratified into upland and swamp systems and by gender. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT) food security index, and binary logit regression. Results: Food insecurity was widespread, with 66.7% of households classified as food insecure. Gender and system-based variations were observed: food insecurity was highest among male swamp rice farmers (85.2%), followed by female swamp (68.5%), female upland (55.6%), and male upland (47.2%) farmers. The severity index was also highest for male swamp farmers (FGT₂ = 0.180). Binary logit regression revealed significant predictors of food security: education (β = -0.534, p<0.01), farming experience (β = 0.320, p<0.05), age (β = -0.165, p<0.10), and technology gap (β = -0.026, p<0.10) for male upland farmers. For female swamp farmers, age was positive (β = 0.140, p<0.10), while farming experience (β = -0.247, p<0.05) and technology gap (β = -0.203, p<0.10) negatively affected food security. Conclusion: Food insecurity among rice farmers in Ebonyi State is alarmingly high, with significant gender and ecological system disparities. Targeted, gender-responsive interventions addressing education, technology access, and institutional barriers are vital to improving household food security in both upland and swamp rice syst

ABSTRACT
This study evaluated risk analysis and market participation among women cassava marketers in Anambra and Imo States, Nigeria. The objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of women cassava marketers, describe the level of market participation by women cassava marketers and analyze risk attitudes and management strategies adopted by women cassava marketers in the study area. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to collect data from 368 respondents (182 in Imo and 186 in Anambra). Data were analyzed descriptive statistics, Likert scales, and participation index. Market participation showed Imo State had a participation index of 0.40 (moderate), Anambra 0.33 (low), and pooled 0.37 (low). Imo marketers (91.21%) had high participation, compared to 72.58% in Anambra. Key marketing activities, stakeholder decision-making (µ =4.2), value addition (µ =4.0), and cooperative sales management (µ =4.3) showed high participation. Regulatory activities and committee roles also highlighted Imo’s more proactive market environment. Risk attitude result indicated Imo women marketers as more risk-taking (70.33% risk-takers) than Anambra (45.16%). Risk management strategies varied: Anambra favoured early production (µ =2.72) and selling at high prices (µ =2.59), while Imo primarily used early production (µ =3.0). Based on these findings, the study recommended the need to develop financial products and strengthen cooperative networks, improving transportation infrastructure and urban-rural linkages, tailoring extension services to risk management strategies, fostering mentorship programs within marketing associations, and promoting technology adoption and risk-smart interventions for women marketers, especially those with large households.