Malaria and Agriculture: Examining the Cost Implications and Effect on Productivity among Farm Households in Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: identify the socioeconomic characteristics of farm households in the study area; determine factors that influence malaria incidence rate among farming households; estimated the costs effect of malaria on farm households; and determine the influence of malaria incidence on farmers’ productivity. Duration of Study: July, 2016 – November, 2016. Results: of the study showed that 72.5% of the respondents were males and a mean age of 43 years (SD =12.9) was identified among the farm household heads. The average farm size was 2.1 hectares (SD = 0.8) with low access to extension services. The coefficient of farm size (β = 0.123, p=0.05), age (β =-0.048, p=0.05), years spent schooling (β =-0.085, p=0.05), and distance to health facilities (β =-0.043, p=0.05) significantly influenced the incidence rate of malaria among farming households in the State. The mean direct and indirect cost of malaria among farm households in the state was 14, 213.58 Naira and 9, 405.97 Naira respectively. The result further revealed that days lost to malaria, distance to health facility, and time lost to malaria reduced agricultural productivity at 5%, while amount spent on treatment and cost of preservation directly influenced agricultural productivity at 5% level of significance. Conclusion: free distribution and use of mosquito netting (especially the treated nets) to reduce the effects of mosquito on agricultural productivity.