The Pull and Push Factors of Farm Income Diversification among Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook) Farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria

The study examines the magnitude and factors influencing agricultural income diversification among small-scale fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) farmers in Akwa Ibom State south-south region of Nigeria. required information was collected from Telfairia using a structured questionnaire. A regression analysis tool used to analyse specific objective. finding revealed an average farm index 2.29 suggesting that is high disturbing. empirical results farmers' household size, hired labour, educational qualification are major “push factors” diversification. In contrast, “the pull age, extension visit, membership social group, land quantity fertilizer manure, labour. To intensify earnings vegetable farmers, it recommended government should encourage child spacing family planning as these would reduce size burden always carried along with expenditures. Providing input subsidies important cushion adverse effect increased production costs. Agricultural services be strengthened render more effective farmers. formation groups encouraged, primarily through cooperative farming. set up tractor hiring centres all local areas; help hard time encounter