EFFECT OF MALARIA PREVALENCE ON FARM PRODUCTIVITY OF FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

¹Osuji, E.E., ²Ehirim, N.C., ²Anyanwu, U.G., ²Okwara, M.O

¹Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike

 ²Department of Agricultural Economics, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo

Email: osujiemeka2@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the effect of malaria prevalence on farm productivity of farming households in Imo State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 108 respondents who sourced malaria treatment from health care service providers with the aid of a well structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, malaria prevalence and incidence rate model, productivity index model, as well as ordinary least square multiple regression model. Farmers had a mean age of 49 years, 8 persons per household, 8 years educational attainment, and mean household income of N52,606. The result shows a mean extension effectiveness of 20.3%. This is low compared to a recommended effectiveness of over 80% by World Health Organization. The study shows that Farmers with the highest TFP index between 4.081 to 5.15 have the least average RMP of 15.8%. Linear function was selected as the lead equation which indicates that; malaria prevalence rate, education, age, household income, cost of malaria treatment, distance to health centers and type of health service providers are significant and contributed to the malaria incidence on farm productivity of the farmers. The study recommends the use of mosquito treated bed-nets to be equitably distributed to the farmers and other malaria prevention measures should be encouraged through effective health extension services in the study area.