IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) e-ISSN: 2319-2380, p-ISSN: 2319-2372. Volume 8, Issue 8 Ver. I (Aug. 2015), PP 69-73 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/2380-08816973 www.iosrjournals.org 69 | Page Socioeconomic Status of Vegetable Farmers in Three Rural Communities of Jos, North-Central Nigeria Yilangai, R. M. 1 *, Pineau, W. 2 , Manu, S. A. 1 and Kambai, C. 3 1 A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, University of Jos Biological Conservatory, Jos, Nigeria 2 Pro Natura International Paris, France 3 Federal College of Forestry Jos, Nigeria Abstract: Smallholder farming is the predominant farming practice in Sub Saharan Africa with majority of the farmers living in rural areas. In Jos Nigeria, vegetable farming occurs mainly in the dry season providing a major source of living for the rural populace. In this study we investigated the socioeconomic status of vegetable farmers in three villages of Jos East Local Government Area in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. All vegetable farms in the three villages were visited and documented. Questionnaire forms were used to obtain information on farmers' income before and after receiving support. Results showed that 7 vegetable crops were predominantly grown in these areas where Cucumis sativus (cucumber) was the most widely produced crop. The largest population of the farmers produced low quantity of the crops earning an average income of USD 384 per individual per harvest season. While after receiving support from agroforestry and vegetable production project, the average income earned per farmer in each harvest season increased to USD 629 (39 % increase). Greater population of these farmers who are married with children depend solely or mainly on farming to carter for an average family of five. Keywords: Farmers' support, Income, Rural communities, Smallholder farming, Vegetable crops. I. Introduction Agricultural development is the key driver of economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa [1], where about 75 % of the extreme poor still reside in rural areas, and over 90 % of those who participate in agriculture are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture as their source of income [2; 3; 4; 1]. Research has shown that 56 % of the populations live in extreme poverty barely on US$ 1.25 per day or less and almost 33 % are undernourished [5-6]. Poverty contributes to poor agricultural productivity, as many farmers cannot afford to purchase necessary farm inputs such as fertilizer, pesticides and improved seeds, which would bring about increased productivity [7]. Smallholder farming is the predominant form of agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and also an important tool in poverty eradication in the region. For every 10 % increase in farm yields, there has been a 7 % reduction in poverty in sub-Saharan Africa, where 32 % of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is generated from the 65 % of labour force involved in agriculture [3]. In Nigeria, like other parts of SSA, agriculture plays a central role in its economic development. However, in spite of its vast agricultural potentials, its rural dwellers that constitute a larger proportion of its population and produce about 90 % of its food supply are poor. For many rural households in Nigeria, agriculture is the main activity, and previous and current analysis of poverty has shown that poverty is inexplicably concentrated among households whose primary livelihood lie in agricultural activities [8; 4]. Furthermore, while increasing agricultural output improves the productivity of farmers, this developmental process is not achievable without an efficient and responsive marketing system for agricultural products [9]. In most African countries, inefficient food crop marketing system makes it difficult for farmers to dispose of their produce at attractive prices and at places of their choice [7]. Farming activities in communities (Laminga, Kerker and Zarazon) surrounding A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI) take place all year round in rainy and dry seasons. Vegetable crops are the predominant crops produced and mainly during the dry season between October and April comprising two rounds of harvest periods. While vegetable production is low in rainy season, other food crops such as maize (Zea mays), Guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor), millet (Pennisetum spp), beans (Vigna unguiculata), etc are produced in larger quantities. Crude implements typical of smallholder farming, manual irrigation from locally dug wells and manual labour are employed by the farmers. Although farmers use high quality hybrid seeds which ensure high crop productivity, the continuous tillage of soil without fallow periods has reduced the fertility of the soil and consequent reduction in crop yield [10]. With the prevailing high standard of living which places high demand on the low income farmers earn with backbreaking labour, it becomes difficult for them to increase yield without intervention of experts and professional bodies. In view of the significant role agriculture plays in the livelihood of these people, studies on their socioeconomic status is important in making