Maria-Stella Etomchi Njoku

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture

Author Statistics

Papers

Citation

H-Index

i-10 index

Research Trends

Author Order

Document Type

Co-Authors

G. Asumugha

National Root Crops Research Institute

H. N. Anyaegbunam

National Root Crops Research Institute

OC Aniedu

MC Ogbonna

University of Port Harcourt

Ebere Rejoice Okocha

Evangel University

N. M. Agwu

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture

B.C Okoye

National Root Crops Research Institute

O.o Ibeagi

Chinedum Nduka

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture

A. O. Akinpelu

Achievers University

Cooperative Institutions

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture

National Root Crops Research Institute

Vecima Technology (United Kingdom)

International Potato Center

Abia State University

Evangel University

University of Agriculture

University of Port Harcourt

Achievers University

Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria

Author Statistics

Papers

Citation

H-Index

i-10 index

Research Field

Demand function and elasticities for seed yam in northern Nigeria

Nigeria Agricultural Journal (2010)

G. Asumugha Maria-Stella Etomchi Njoku B.C Okoye OC Aniedu MC Ogbonna

This study employed the conventional demand function analyses to examine the influence of socio-economic variables on seed yam demand in Northern Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 150 seed yam farmers in three major States in 2006. Input-output data and their prices were obtained fromthe farmers. The study revealed that disposable income, labour and fertilizer exert significant influence on seed yam demand in Benue State. In the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, age and education had a direct relationship with seed yam demanded, while farmer experience has a negative effect. In Nasarawa State, education, disposable income and fertilizer had a direct relationship with value of seed yam demanded at 5%; farm size at1.0% while labour had an indirect relationship seed yam demand at 10.0%. The elasticity of demand for seed yams for farm size was elastic for Nasarawa state but inelastic for Abuja. The elasticities with respect to education for the two States were 0.6 and 0.28 respectively. Demand is price inelastic for Abuja and Benue States with respect to their own prices. The cross price elasticities for seed yams to the price of major substitutes were positive but for Nasarawa State. The income elasticities of demand for seed yams were all positive.. There is need therefore for policies aimed at encouraging farmers for increased cultivation of seed yams, improving farmers' access to productive inputs such as fertilizer. Farmers should be educated especially through extension services, trainings and orientation on the benefit of seed yam enterprise for increased commercialisation of the sector.Keywords: Seed yam, Demand, elasticities

10.4314/naj.v40i1-2.55509

Cite

Citations (1)

Analysis of factors affecting agribusiness cooperators’ access to credit from formal sources in Abia State, Nigeria

Deleted Journal (2017)

Maria-Stella Etomchi Njoku

The study focused on determinants of Agribusiness Cooperators’ access to credit in from formal sources in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the socioeconomic characteristics of respondents; estimated the determinants of access to credit and ascertained the challenges associated with Agribusiness Cooperators’ borrowing from formal sources. Multistage sampling technique was adopted in sampling for location and respondents. A total of 150 respondents were sampled from list of Agribusiness Cooperators in the various communities. Data were collected using questionnaire administered on respondents using interview schedules and observation. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as percentages, means and the Ordinary Least Squares multiple regression model. Results indicate that Agribusiness Cooperators in the study area are predominantly young, productive and literate with average farming experience of 7 years. Findings further showed that the cooperators are predominantly males, smallholders with mean household size of 6 persons and mean income of N45,878.00 per farming season. Results of the regression model indicated that farm size, education and loan period showed expected positive signs a priori and were significant at various probability levels. Contrary to a priori expectation, experience showed a negative sign and was significant at 10% level. High interest rate, delay in loan disbursement and reluctance in repaying loans were rated the most dominant challenges to borrowing from formal sources. Based on the findings, it was recommended that cooperatives should be encouraged to organize periodic capacity building exercises for members to keep them abreast of developments vis-à-vis agribusiness investment and credit access.Keywords: loan, interest rate, loan disbursement and cooperatives

Abia

Agribusiness

Multistage sampling

Stratified Sampling

Default

10.4314/as.v15i2.4

Cite

Citations (3)

Determinants of table egg production in Abia state, Nigeria

Deleted Journal (2006)

Maria-Stella Etomchi Njoku

This paper examined the determinants of table egg production activities in Abia State, Nigeria. Information on some relevant production inputs in 3 local government areas of Abia State (Umuahia North, South and Ikwuano) were collected from 65 respondents selected using multistage random sampling techniques. Majority of the respondents (74%) had tertiary education, while about 3% had no formal education and another 5% had primary education. More than 88% of the respondents were married while about 34% had average household size of 2 – 5 persons. The study revealed that two variables namely number of birds used and cost of feed were significant determinants of egg production. The elasticity of production to input use was found to be elastic while the returns to sale was increasing. Number of birds and cost of feed were being used below their economic optimum level, while labor and poultry equipment were being over-utilized above their economic optimum. Recommendations were suggested on measures to positively influence the production of table eggs. Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 2(2) 2006: 76-80

Abia

Local government area

Table (database)

Multistage sampling

Formal education

10.4314/apra.v2i2.36315

Cite

Citations (0)

Brand-Switching in Nigerian Banks: Evidence from Critical Incidents

SSRN Electronic Journal (2015)

Maria-Stella Etomchi Njoku Chinedum Nduka Ebere Rejoice Okocha

This paper investigates the critical incidents that characterize interface between banking service providers and their customers. The study also assesses the effects of critical incidents on the brand switching behavior in Nigeria Money Deposit Banks. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaire to customers of the banks under review in Nigeria. Some 150 customers were sampled using a combination of multistage and purposive sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a correlation model. Empirical findings indicate that critical incidents are more significant among other variables that influence brand-switching in Nigeria Banks. Customers in the banking industry accommodate negative critical incidents from service-providers to a level of elasticity before brand-switching takes place. We also found a significant and strong positive relationship between negative critical incident and brand-switching. The study therefore recommends that service providers should consciously create positive critical incidents that would increase customers’ expectation/loyalty. The value of the study would proffer solutions to customers switching behavior.

Brand Loyalty

Empirical evidence

Source

Cite

Citations (0)

An Analysis of the Supply for Seed Yams in Nigeria

RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (2007)

G. Asumugha Maria-Stella Etomchi Njoku B.C Okoye OC Aniedu MC Ogbonna

This study was conducted to examine the supply of seed yam in major yam producing areas of Northern and Southern Nigeria using the supply function analysis. A cost-route approach was adopted in eliciting data from 120 seed yam farmers and marketers spread across the six states studied in 2006 using the multi-stage random sampling technique. Results show that price of seed yam and age had a significant relationship with value of seed yam supplied at the 1.0% level. Disposable income was significant at the 5.0% level, while labour cost and supplier experience were negatively related with value of seed yam supplied at the 10.0% and 1.0% levels respectively. Price of substitute and credit had a negative relationship with value of seed yam. The elasticity of supply of seed yam with respect to income is positive but inelastic while the elasticity of supply with respect to years of experience and labour were negative and elastic. Price of seed yam had positive price elasticity. Result of the field work show that there were no commercial structures for supply of seed yam in Nigeria. Farmer’s only sell seed yams after satisfying own requirements. The results therefore call for policies aimed at ensuring framers entitlement to productive resources and to target farmers in credit and large-scale farm enterprise.

Source

Cite

Citations (0)

Cost and returns analysis of catfish marketing in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Deleted Journal (2017)

Maria-Stella Etomchi Njoku E.I. Offor

The study analyzed the cost and returns of catfish marketing in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State. Specifically, the study ascertained the socioeconomic profile of respondents, ascertained costs, returns and net returns of the marketers, determined the marketing margin, marketing efficiency and market share of participants in the market and estimated the determinants of income from catfish marketing. The constraints militating against catfish marketing were also identified. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in sampling 60 catfish marketers for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using net returns and regression models. Results showed that majority of the respondents were male within active working age of 37 years. About 72% of the marketers were married, and 93.3% of them had formal education. The marketing of catfish was found to be viable as indicated by positive net returns of ₦109,539.67 per month. The coefficient of marketing efficiency was 83.8%, while the market share for wholesalers and retailers was 41.17 and 58.2%, respectively. Result of regression analysis indicated that marketing experience, age, education and quantity of catfish handled were significant at various probability levels. Inadequate capital and high cost of transportation were the major constraints to catfish marketing. It was recommended that catfish marketers should form cooperative society to enhance their access to finance, and the relevant variables that significantly influenced net income should be considered in policy issues.Keywords: net income, efficiency, marketers, market share

Abia

Local government area

Multistage sampling

Marketing channel

10.4314/as.v15i2.2

Cite

Citations (6)

Differentials in market participation among cocoyam farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Nigeria Agricultural Journal (2018)

Blessing Ukeje Maria-Stella Etomchi Njoku H. N. Anyaegbunam P. N. Ajuka

The study was conducted to empirically investigate determinants of market participation among cocoyam farmers in Udenu, Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu state. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain data from the respondents. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and probit regression analytical procedure. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that majority of the respondents were females (65%) who had an average farm size of 4ha and 10 years farming experience. The coefficient of gender and household size had an indirect relationship with market participation at 10% level of significance respectively. The coefficient of farming experience and income had a direct relationship with market participation at 5% and 10% level of probability each. The study recommends policies targeted at the provision of storage facilities and processing machines to avoid post-harvest losses, access to micro credit facilities should be encouraged, access to farm input such as pesticides, fertilizers and improved planting materials at affordable rates, good infrastructure (road network), and training of farmers should go a long way in strengthening and promoting market participation for cocoyam in the study area. Keywords : Cocoyam, Market and Participation

Local government area

Probit

Source

Cite

Citations (0)

Brand-Switching in Nigerian Banks: Evidence from Critical Incidents

The Global Journal of Business Research (2015)

Maria-Stella Etomchi Njoku Chinedum Nduka Ebere Rejoice Okocha

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the critical incidents that characterize interface between banking service providers and their customers. The study also assesses the effects of critical incidents on the brand switching behavior in Nigeria Money Deposit Banks. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaire to customers of the banks under review in Nigeria. Some 150 customers were sampled using a combination of multistage and purposive sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a correlation model. Empirical findings indicate that critical incidents are more significant among other variables that influence brand-switching in Nigeria Banks. Customers in the banking industry accommodate negative critical incidents from service-providers to a level of elasticity before brand-switching takes place. We also found a significant and strong positive relationship between negative critical incident and brand-switching. The study therefore recommends that service providers should consciously create positive critical incidents that would increase customers' expectation/loyalty. The value of the study would proffer solutions to customers switching behavior.JEL: M3, G2KEYWORDS: Critical Incident Technique, Switching Behavior, Brand Loyalty, Brand Switching and Customer SatisfactionINTRODUCTIONIn the competitive Global market, consumers and customers are regarded as valuable assets for any vision oriented organization. Research shows that organizations increasingly focus on the retention of their existing customers. Thus gaining knowledge about customers' switching behavior is substantively important for the sustainability of any organization. The success of any organization depends on the satisfaction of its customers, as consumers are the end users of any product or service. It has been shown that although customers may express their satisfaction, they nevertheless frequently switch brands (Liyander et al 1998). There is an increasing need to understand the customers switching path and why they switch to other brands.According to Van and Verhoef (2008), switching paths consist of a sequence of various combinations of critical encounters or events leading to a switching decision. Thus, the switching process starts with customer awareness of some negative aspects in the decision, although a complete absence of such negative incidence is impossible. These negative perceptions have led to customer cognitive dissonance and service/ product failures. The fundamental problem in predicting customer choices exist in the fact that brand switching decisions of the customers are made on the bases of several different criteria which simultaneously include factors like brand image, brand features, service quality and price etc. Frequent switching behavior of customers compelled the researcher to review factors that affect the service industry.The problem has been more compounded in the service industry where customers get attracted to competitor offerings especially when their expectations do not meet with their perceptions.This study analyzed brand-switching in Nigerian banks based on evidence from critical incidents. Specifically, the study examined: 1) relevant demographic characteristics of the respondents. 2) brandswitching variables and extent of their significance to brand switching. 3) brand-switching behavior of the respondents towards critical incidents in Nigerian banks and 4) the relationship between critical incidents and brand-switching.Critical incidents addresses in empirical terms (from observations and practical experience) how incidences are related to the customers' overall satisfaction or dissatisfaction. However it was found that a negative incident has a negative impact on consumer behaviors. Positive incident has a positive impact on both consumer behavior and their overall customer satisfaction (Gremler 2004). The remainder of this paper contains a review of relevant literature, data and methodology, result, concluding remarks, references and biography of the authorsLITERATURE REVIEWA critical incident is one particular historic event which from the customer's point of view was satisfying or dissatisfying in the customer's relationship with the supplier (Gremler, 2004). …

Brand Loyalty

Critical variable

Empirical evidence

Source

Cite

Citations (0)

An Analysis of the Supply for Seed Yams in Nigeria

MPRA Paper (2007)

G. Asumugha Maria-Stella Etomchi Njoku B.C Okoye OC Aniedu MC Ogbonna

Source

Cite

Citations (1)

Effect of rural-urban migration on household food security in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Nigeria Agricultural Journal (2018)

Cynthia Ijeoma Anyanwu Maria-Stella Etomchi Njoku N. M. Agwu QUEEN EZENWANYI IWUNZE

This study analyzed the effects of rural-urban migration on household food security in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically the study examined the socio-economic characteristics of the migrants’ household; identified the causes of rural-urban migration in the study area and determined the food security status of the respondents in the study area. A total of 120 respondents were randomly selected across 10 villages in the study area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primarydata. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ordinary least square multiple regression model. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that the respondents have a mean age of 49 years and majority of the migrants’ household were educated and married, with male dominated household constituting 79.16 % and mean household size of 5 persons. It also showed that most (81.66%) of the respondents were engaged in farming occupation with mean income of ₦50,737.The three main causes of rural-urban migration in the study area were: search for job, better education and join spouse. The results of the food security status showed that 66.67% of the respondents have food security index of less than 1. The results of the regression analysis showed that age, household size and food from friends were the major determinants of food security in the study area. The study thus recommends that government through its relevant agencies should encourage sustainable food production through subsidizing farm inputs and giving improved seedlings to farmers to boost their productivity and achieve the sustainable development goal of zero hunger by 2030. Keywords: rural-urban migration, household and food security

Abia

Local government area

Household income

Urban area

Source

Cite

Citations (3)