INFLUENCE OF CEREMONIES ON AGRICULTURAL AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIESIN TIVLAND, BENUE STATE.

Abstract

The study sought to identify Influence of Ceremonies on Agricultural and Entrepreneurial Activities in Benue state. A questionnaire survey design approach was employed for the study. The population for the study was 255 respondents, comprising 230 and 25 extension agents. A sample of 155was drawn from the population using Yaro Yamene’s formular. The total of 25 extension agents and 130 farmers formed part of the subjects. Data for the study was collected using structured questionnaire titled Tiv Ceremonies and Agriculture questionnaire (TCAQ). The instrument was validated by 3 experts. Cronbach Alpha method of reliability was used to establish reliability coefficient of 0.86. The researchers personally administered the questionnaire on the respondents. Data for the study was analyzed using mean to answer research questions and t-test was used to test the null hypothesis. Findings of the study revealed that marriage, death/burial and cults are the most observed ceremonies. Furthermore, the high financial and material involvements in celebrations of these ceremonies bring about food insecurity, poverty to the community. The study therefore recommended the cutting down of expenses on marriage; death/burials, among others.