SOCIO-ECONOMICAND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AFFECTING HOOK WORM INFESTATION AMONGST FARMERS IN SELECTED RIVERINE COMMUNITIES IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was carried out in selected riverine communities in kogi state , the communities are located in Omalla, Koto-Karfe, Idah and Igala mela. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used. A total of two hundred small-holder farmers were randomly picked.. These farmesr cultivated both cassava and maize crops effectively, and so their production indicators are similar. ,out of the two hundred farmers, fifty hookworm infested ones were picked, while fifty non-infested ones were also picked. The hookworm infested famers were identified by the following physical symptoms: breathlessness, palpitation and fainting. For confirmation of infestation, secondary data on these farmer were obtained from medical Records Department of health institution in the study areas. Both primary and secondary data collection were used. Questionnaire administered was in respect of socio-economic profile of farmers- including age, sex, period of infestation of hookworm infested farmers, Annual income. Both Statistical and Econometric tools were employed. The statistical tools include frequency distribution, tables, percentages. Results showed that 58% of the respondent farmers were within the age rage of 36 – 55 years, this was reported to be the active farming age bracket., the house hold size ranged from 1 – 15. The monthly income ranged fron 10,000 – 15000 and 16,000 – 25,000 per mionth It was concluded that all the farmer were very poor ,household size and marital status had no effect on hookworm infestation .it was recommended that government should step up health care programmes amongst rural farmers to boost theiur health and hence productivity.