Papers by Dr. Victor U Z O C H U K W U Uchemba
SCIENTIFIC CULTURE,, 2026
Floods have a significant impact on agricultural sustainability and food security, often leading ... more Floods have a significant impact on agricultural sustainability and food security, often leading to long-term consequences. To mitigate these effects, it is crucial to focus on disaster preparedness, early warning systems, 6234 OBIEKWE NGOZI JOSEPHINE et al.
Previous studies available in the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) paid limited attention... more Previous studies available in the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) paid limited attention to the policy distortions and incentive structures that shape production efficiency and competitiveness. While the competitive dimension has often been discussed qualitatively, this study applies the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) to examine the policy environment influencing cassava production among farmers participating in the Anambra State VCDP). Data were obtained through random sampling of 380 cassava farmers, of which 350 responses were considered usable after data cleaning. The Policy Analysis Matrix and Heckman double-hurdle model were employed for the analysis. The PAM estimated key indicators, including the Domestic Resource Cost (DRC), Private Cost Ratio (PCR), Effective Protection Coefficient (EPC), Nominal Protection Coefficients (NPC), and profitability measures. The Heckman model examined the factors influencing farmers' participation in off-taker market arrangements and the determinants of competitiveness. The results revealed strong evidence of both comparative and competitive advantages among program beneficiaries. The DRC (0.057) and PCR (0.018) indicate that cassava production is socially efficient and privately competitive. The NPC on output (1.101) and input (0.500) suggests that farmers benefit from favourable output prices and subsidised inputs. Similarly, the EPC (1.125) and profitability coefficient above unity confirmed that policy support enhances value addition and private profitability. The Heckman results showed that socioeconomic variables significantly influenced participation in off-taker market arrangements. The study concludes that the VCDP has strengthened farmers' efficiency, in market participation. Sustained and well-targeted policy support combined with productivity and market improvements is therefore recommended to maintain these gains in the Anambra State.
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 2026
This study investigates the income-generating potential of youth engaged in the cassava value cha... more This study investigates the income-generating potential of youth engaged in the cassava value chain under the Value Chain Development Programme by focusing on production, supply, harvesting, postharvest handling, processing, value addition, and marketing & distribution. Primary data were obtained through a well-structured questionnaire administered to 387 respondents, using a Taro Yamane sample size formula. An inferential statistical analysis was conducted using t-tests to assess differences in income across the nodes. Results indicate that the mean incomes at all stages of the cassava value chain: production (₦504,275.21), supply (₦2,750,555.00), harvest (₦56,613.94), post-harvest (₦117,425.55), processing (₦1,015,606.50), value addition (₦35,100.06) and marketing & distribution (₦192,603.48) were statistically significant at the 1% level, with t-ratios ranging from-15.47 to-94.79. The processing (₦1,015,606.50) and supply (₦2,750,555.00) chains recorded the highest mean incomes. Although variations exist, the persistent statistical significance observed across stages highlights the potential of cassava-based enterprises as sustainable income-generating opportunities for young people. The study concludes that income differences between nodes are significant, suggesting that youths can strategically select entry points within the value chain based on profitability. It recommends sustaining the programme as a pathway for youth employment and entrepreneurship.
http://www.sciencepg.com/journal/343/archive/3431106, 2025
This study effectively assesses climate change, extension, and rural livelihoods in South East Ni... more This study effectively assesses climate change, extension, and rural livelihoods in South East Nigeria. Its clear objectives, specifically examined the socioeconomic characteristics of rice and cassava respondents involved in IFAD-assisted VCDP, identified the livelihoods available to the respondents, examined the adaptive strategies available to cushion the effect of climate change, and determined the constraints to rice and cassava production in the areas. An appropriate multistage sampling design, combining purposive and random sampling techniques, was used to select 300 rice and cassava farmers. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Analysis combines descriptive statistics, coding, thematic interpretation, and an inferential t-test. The study revealed that female respondents (54.7%) dominated the area, with an average age of approximately 41 years; the majority (50.3%) were single, the majority (51.7%) had a formal education, and the mean farming experience was 10 years. The mean contact with extension agents per annum was approximately 8 times; a greater proportion (24.7%) were producers & marketers. The mean rice production was 9.94 tonnes, and the mean cassava production was 41.44 tonnes of cassava. The majority (53.7%) agree that their primary livelihood is rice and cassava processing. The adaptation strategies to climate change were: the use of improved rice & cassava varieties, the timing of planting, and rice bunding. The main constraints were the high cost of labour, the high cost of transportation, and bad roads. The study demonstrates that participation in an extension programme significantly improved the livelihoods of rice and cassava farmers in South East Nigeria. It is recommended that policy interventions prioritize reducing labour and transportation costs, improving rural road infrastructure, strengthening input supply systems, reforming land tenure to enhance access, expanding affordable credit facilities, and addressing insecurity to foster resilience and sustainable agricultural development.
Science Publishing Group, 2025
This study assessed the challenges faced by small-scale poultry farmers in Idemili North Local Go... more This study assessed the challenges faced by small-scale poultry farmers in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, with a focus on their socioeconomic characteristics, perceived benefits of poultry farming, constraints encountered, and potential solutions. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select 50 respondents across 4 villages. The findings revealed that the average poultry farmer was 36 years old, predominantly (54.00%) female, the majority (58.00%) were married, and had a primary education. Most respondents had 11 years of experience in poultry farming. The majority (62.00%) belonged to cooperatives, and the majority (60.00%) had access to credit facilities. Poultry farming was largely (58.00%) commercial, with a mean household size of 7 persons. An average contact with an extension agent occurred 7 times per annum, and an average of 118 birds were stocked. An average monthly income of ₦147,848.00 was realized. A greater proportion (34.00%) of cockerels were the most commonly raised birds, and a greater proportion (30.00%) of free-range systems were used in the study area. Key benefits identified included improved diets, meat and egg production, livelihood support, manure generation, and income enhancement. However, serious constraints such as high feed and labour costs, fluctuating market prices, and pest and disease outbreaks were reported. Proposed solutions centred on stabilizing market prices and improving feed quality. The study concludes that poultry farming plays a vital role in rural livelihoods and food security. It recommends government intervention through feed subsidies, market regulation, and enhanced veterinary services to mitigate the impact of pests and diseases.
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Papers by Dr. Victor U Z O C H U K W U Uchemba