Abstract
The study was a comparative study of economic benefits of rain-fed and dry
season farming among rural households. Specifically it identified types of crops
cultivated during rain-fed and dry seasons, assessed profit derived from the sale
produce at each farming season and other preferred benefits; factors that
militating against the practice of dry season farming and identified strategies for
improved dry season farming. It was carried out in Makurdi Local Government
Area of Benue State with a population of 3379 farm families. A random sample of
350 respondents was selected. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data
were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Results show different crops
cultivated during rain-fed season. Rice was rated as highest cultivated crop(X=
3.79). Vegetables were mostly cultivated during dry season with pumpkin rated
as the highest cultivated crop(X=3.81). Dry season farming was more profitable
than rain-fed farming. Poor storage facilities was rated as major factor militating
against dry season farming, (X=3.5). Provision of water pump generators was
suggested by the respondents as the major strategy to improve the practice of
dry season farming in the area. It was concluded that dry season farming has
more economic benefits to the farmers than rain fed farming.