Consumer awareness and purchase preferences for chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers among smallholder farmers in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract:

The transition from chemical fertilizers to biofertilizers represents a critical paradigm shift in sustainable agricultural development across sub-Saharan Africa. This research investigated consumer awareness levels and purchase preferences regarding chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers among 420 smallholder farmers in southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey methodology was employed utilizing structured questionnaires administered across six agricultural zones within Lagos and Ogun states between March and September 2023. The research revealed that 78.4% of respondents demonstrated high awareness of chemical fertilizer products compared to only 34.7% awareness for biofertilizer alternatives. Purchase preference analysis indicated that 41.8% of farmers exclusively purchased chemical fertilizers, while merely 12.3% opted solely for biofertilizer products. Combined usage was reported by 24.6% of participants, suggesting a gradual market transition. Statistical analysis using chi-square tests revealed significant associations between awareness levels and educational attainment (p < 0.01), farm size (p < 0.05), and extension service contact frequency (p < 0.001). The research further demonstrated that cost considerations (88.7%), product availability (82.1%), and perceived effectiveness (71.3%) were the primary determinants influencing fertilizer purchase decisions. Biofertilizer awareness was significantly higher among farmers with tertiary education (61.4%) compared to those with primary education alone (18.2%). These findings underscore the necessity for targeted educational interventions and improved distribution networks to enhance biofertilizer market penetration in southwestern Nigeria. The research recommends integrated policy frameworks combining subsidized pricing mechanisms with extensive farmer training programmes to accelerate biofertilizer adoption.