An Assessment of the Factors Influencing Farmers’ Access to Fertilizer Markets in Some Selected Local Government Areas in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the factors influencing farmers access to fertilizer markets in selected local government areas in Kaduna State. A multinomial regression analysis was used to assess whether the factors have significant effect on the odds of observing certain market categories. The model was assessed based on an alpha value of 0.05 and the result of the multinomial regression model were significant, χ² (20) = 278.21, p < .001 suggesting that education, cooperative association, credit, distance, ease of use, availability, comparative cost, accessibility, affordability and quality had a significant effect on the odds of observing at least one of the response categories of the market relative the retailer outlet. The significant variables' influence on the odds of choosing specific market outlets is indicative of the multifaceted nature of farmers' decision-making processes. Education, cooperative membership, distance, and product availability emerged as key determinants of selecting retailers. Meanwhile, credit, quality, and availability of the product were found to influence the choice of wholesaler outlets. Understanding the interplay of these factors can guide policymakers, extension services, and market stakeholders in designing targeted interventions. Enhancing access to credit, improving product quality, and addressing distance-related challenges can facilitate better market access, promote value chain efficiency, and potentially lead to increased market participation and improved livelihoods for farmers