IMPACT OF INFLATION ON FARM FAMILIES IN SOKOTO STATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study assessed the effects of inflation on farm families in Sokoto State. Data were collected for 150 respondents using structured questionnaires administered to 30 respondents each from five I government areas (Sokoto-South, Wamakko, Yabo, Tureta, and Binj/). The data collected were analyze using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that, while majority of the respondents fell within th age range of 31-40 years (39%). Sixty two percent of the respondents had no formal education and percent acquired adult education. About 73 percent of the respondents had more than 16 years fan. experience and 75 percent of the farmers practiced mixed cropping with millet/sorghum/cowpea mixture being the most common practice. Fifty seven percent of the respondents were of the view that inflation increase their total farm income. However, 93 percent of the respondents asserts that inf1atio severely affect their purchasing power due to high prices of inputs, cost of transportation and hi prices of other necessities. Generally, 64 percent of the respondents opined that inflation had negative effects on them and their households. The respondents felt that inflation can be reduced the reduction in fuel price, price stabilization measures, agricultural subsidies to farmers and increase market supply through increase in production of goods and services.