Counter Urbanization and Agricultural Input Productivity in Imo State of Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the productivity of agricultural inputs in the context of counterurbanization, a consequence of Nigeria’s fiscal policy reform, in Okigwe Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Imo State, Nigeria. Sixty counter-urbanities who settled for farming were randomly selected from four autonomous communities in the L. G. A for the study. Sources of primary data were structured questionnaires, market survey, interviews
and observation of farm activities Descriptive statistics, multiple regression and gross margin analyses were tools employed in data analysis.

Results show that counter-urbanization has accelerated agricultural intensification and cultivation of marginal lands. Population density is significant and inversely related to output, while farm size, fertilizer application and fallow length were directly related to output. Labour and cropping density have not significantly affected output. The
marginal values of the variable inputs were measures of their efficiency usage. The average farm size, and output per hectare are less than those of non-migrants recorded
six years ago. Major sources of farmland were leasing and borrowing as opposed to inheritance. The study recommended among others provision of credit facilities for nonfarm
sectors to reduce the number of return migrants engaged in farming.