Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 24 ISSUE 3
Written by Gbolagade Benjamin ADESIJI, Mobolaji Omolabake MUSA, Mubarakat MUSA

This study examined vegetable farmers' perception towards hydroponic technologies in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study employed the use of a two-stage sampling technique to employ 320 vegetable farmers as respondents. Primary data was gathered through organized interviews and a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data collected. Findings showed that only 31.3% were involved primarily in farming, livelihood diversification was 49.4% in favour of trading/business. Also, 35% of the respondents belonged to cooperatives and 90% had a favorable perception of hydroponics. The study examined the constraints to the practice of hydroponics where increase in the tariff of power supply ranked first position. Results of Chi-square test of relationship between socioeconomic characteristics of respondents and their perceptions of hydroponics farming technology showed that only level of education and membership of cooperatives indicated significant relationship. The study recommends that empowerment programmes and knowledge acquisition programmes on hydroponic technology farming should be targeted at vegetable farmers who are members of farmers’ cooperatives and this is to ensure successful knowledge impact and positive effects of the programme.

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