The Food Safety Practices of Maize Farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria

Food Safety Practices of Maize Farmers

Authors

  • G. D. Agou Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikow, Ebonyi state
  • E. A. Onwubuya University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
  • A. E. Agwu University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
  • J. M. CHAH University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
  • Michael Olaolu Olatunji Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi state
  • Izuogu, Chibuzo Uzoma Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi state
  • Njoku, Loveday Chukwuma Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi state
  • S. A. Obazi University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
  • Inyng Paul Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi state

Abstract

The study evaluated food safety practices of maize farmers in Taraba state, Nigeria. The objectives were to: ascertain maize farmers’ food safety practices; identify sources of information on food safety; identify the constraints to food safety practices and to determine factors influencing food safety practices of maize farmers. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select one-hundred and fifty six respondents from six local government areas of Taraba State. Results were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and multiple regression model finding revealed that 56.4% of the respondents were males, 35.9% were between the ages of 28 and 37 and had the annual income of ?123,108.87. Use of organic agricultural methods in maize production, not drying of maize on dirty/filthy tarpaulins were among food safety practices of the farmers. Poor enforcement of food safety policies ( =2.13) was a constraints to food safety practices. Age and farm size were found to be factors influencing food safety practices of the respondents. The farmers faced constraints implementation proper procedures in their production, storage and processing activities. The study recommended that the government set up initiatives to educate farmers about food safety and give them access to loans.

Author Biographies

G. D. Agou, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikow, Ebonyi state

Department: Agriculture  Rank: Assistant Lecturer 

E. A. Onwubuya , University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Department: Agricultural extension Rank: Professor 

A. E. Agwu, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Department: Agricultural extension  Rank: Professor 

J. M. CHAH, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Deparment: Agricultural extension Rank: Professor 

Michael Olaolu Olatunji, Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi state

Department: Agriculture  Rank: Lecturer 1

Izuogu, Chibuzo Uzoma , Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi state

Department: Agriculture  Rank: Lecturer II

Njoku, Loveday Chukwuma, Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi state

Department: Agriculture  Rank: Lecturer II

S. A. Obazi, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Department: Agricultural extension  Rank: Assistant Lecturer 

Inyng Paul, Alex Ekwueme, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi state

Department: Agriculture  Rank: Lecturer II

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Published

2024-04-12

How to Cite

GABRIEL AGOU, D., Onwubuya , A. , E. ., Agwu, Ekwe. , A., CHAH, M., J. ., Olaolu Olatunji, M. ., Izuogu Chibuzo, U. ., Njoku Chukwudi, L. ., Alagba Obazi, S., & Inynag, P. (2024). The Food Safety Practices of Maize Farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria: Food Safety Practices of Maize Farmers. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 28(2), 98–107. Retrieved from https://www.journal.aesonnigeria.org/index.php/jae/article/view/3900

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 2 (2024): JAE

Section

General Extension and Teaching Methods

License

Copyright (c) 2024 G. D. Agou, E. A. Onwubuya , A. E. Agwu, J. M. CHAH, Michael Olaolu Olatunji, Izuogu, Chibuzo Uzoma , Njoku, Loveday Chukwuma, S. A. Obazi, Inyng Paul

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