Contributions of Non-Farm Activities in Combating Rural Unemployment in Ondo State, Nigeria

This study investigated the contributions of non-farm activities in combating unemployment in rural areas of Ondo-east local government area of Ondo state, Nigeria. The multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select one hundred and forty-five smallholder farmers in the study area. The primary data for the study were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics- frequency distribution and percentages were used to analyse the socio-economic variables and the Tobit model was used to analyse factors influencing smallholder participation in non-farm activities. The results of the socio-economic characteristics showed that, the mean age of respondents was 45.7±4.2 years, 62.7% were male while 57.3% were married with 8.2±3.9 members per household and 58.6% had primary education. The mean year of experience was 13.3±5.2 years. Tobit model revealed that, age, education, wage earned, access to credit and distance were the significant variables influencing participation in non-farm activities. Non-farm activities help to reduce unemployment, supplement farm income, provide a safety net and alleviate poverty among households. The study recommended that improved access roads, access to credit and education should be provided to boost participation in non-farm activities.