MARKETS AND RURAL SERVICES AS DETERMINANTS OF IMPROVED SEEDS USAGE BY CROP FARMERS IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

The use of improved inputs has been associated with a substantial increase in agricultural growth in Nigeria. Farmers often revert to the markets for input procurements. This paper examines the role of markets and other rural services on the use of improved seeds by crop farmers. Data were collected from 270 farming households in Osun State of Nigeria using a Multistage sampling technique. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and the logistic model. The results obtained show that households’ access to input market information and other rural services such as extension, and rural credit; as well as socio-economic characteristics of farmers significantly influence the probability of use of improved seeds. To this end, it was recommended that aggressive market infrastructural development and improvement in rural services delivery are critical to the improved seed policy of the government.