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Access to formal credit is one of the major problems hindering agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers who apparently, are the major producers of food in the country. This study examines the socioeconomic factors influencing smallholder vegetable farmers’ access to formal credit in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Abia State; specifically, seeks to describe the socio economic characteristics of smallholder vegetable farmers, examine the level of credit access among beneficiaries and identify constraints faced by smallholder vegetable farmers. The study used primary data collected from one-hundred vegetable farmers across 10 purposively selected communities through the aid of structured questionnaires and oral interviews. The study employed descriptive statistics such as mean and percentage and a probit model as analytical tools. Results indicated that education and the level of farm experience at 10% level of significance had positive and significant influence on vegetable farmers’ access to formal credit in the study area. Further analysis showed farmers were constrained with high interest rates, short repayment period and lack of collateral among others. The study recommends reduction in the interest rates of loans given by formal institutions and an extended repayment period as well as the need for a timely disbursement of fund. There is also need for policy aimed at provision of free and affordable education to enable farmers’ access and process information on credit in the study area.Keywords: Smallholder farmers, vegetables, production, and credit

Plantain production in Nigeria is highly constrained by certain socio-economic factors. The study investigated the socio-economic factors influencing plantain production in Khana local government area of Rivers state. Collected primary data was analysed using descriptive statistical tools and simple linear regression fitting in four functional forms. The results of analysis showed the socioeconomic factors influencing plantain production to include gender, age, household size and farm size. Furthermore, using a four-point type of Likert’s scale to measure factors militating against plantain production showed the major challenges to include poor processing and storage facilities, inadequate extension knowledge, unavailability of credit facilities, poor irrigation facilities, high perishability, high incidence of plantain disease and poor marketing system among others. It is suggested that farmers should be assisted through provision of adequate storage and processing facilities as well as loan facilities to enable them acquire necessary farm inputs, hire labour and acquire suitable farmland.Keywords: Plantain, Production, Socioeconomic, Smallholder Farmers, Nigeria