Assessing the Extent of Commercialization of Smallholding Farming Households in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study was designed to determine the household commercialization index (HCI); identify the variation in the level of commercialization among households in the three agricultural zones, as well as identify the micro-level factors determining the level of commercialization in Cross River State.Descriptive, statistical and econometric methods were employed to analyze the data collected from a sample of 120 households using structured questionnaires. Findingsshowed that the degree of commercialization in the study area is moderately high (about 60.40%). On average, households sold about 56.10%, 66.60% and 58.50% of their total production (in grain equivalent terms) for the Southern, Central and Northern zones respectively.Tobitregression analysis showed thattotal quantity of food crops produced, farming experience, access to agricultural extension service, size of land used for cultivation, membership in cooperatives and household family size are important factors determining the level ofcommercialization of smallholder farms. The study recommends the formulation of policies to enhance food crop production and aimed at creating enabling environment forincome generation; policies to encourage the formation of cooperatives to provide a strong mitigation strategy and advance participation in the output market; strengtheningof extension delivery.