Economic Effects of Malaria Infection on Farmers’ Income in Kogi Eastern Agricultural Zones

Abstract

The study assessed the effect of malaria infection on farm households in the eastern Agricultural zones of Kogi State. Specifically, the study described the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers, determined the relationship between farmer’s output and malaria factors and compared the output valued in naira of the infected and non-infected farmers in the area. Using proportionate and random sampling techniques, 120 infected and 120 non-infected farmers were selected for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the required information. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and z-test statistics. Result from the study showed that 69.9% of the respondents were male with an average age of 40 years, married with a mean household size of 7 persons. Farmers in the area had a mean farming experience of 18 years and operated on an average farm size of 1.6 hectares. The mean output valued in naira was N53, 334 and N66, 250 for the infected and non-infected farmers, respectively. Result of the OLS analysis showed that age (β=0.176), household size (β=0.463), transport cost (β=-0.236), days of incapacitation (β=-0.455), and treatment cost (β=-0.126), showed significant relationship with the value of farmer’s output at 1%, 1%, 1%, 1% and 5% levels of risk respectively. In addition, z-test statistics indicated a significant difference (N12, 916) at 5% level of risk between the output of the infected and non-infected farmers. Hence, the study showed that malaria affected farmers and their families because of loss of man days and the expenditure that it inflicted on them which resulted in a substantial output loss in last cropping season. The study recommends establishment of hospital and clinics in many settlements to reduce the distance travelled for medication, treatment subsidy and free drugs should be made available for poor people in the society.