Economic Analysis of Yam Production among Smallholder Farmers in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted in Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi state, Nigeria. It specifically described the socioeconomic characteristics of yam farmers in the area; assessed the cost-benefit of yam production, determined factors affecting yam output, and ascertained constraints to yam production in the study area. A random sampling was used to select 90 yam farmers for the study. Primary data obtained through questionnaire administration were analysed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) multiple regression model, and mean score from Likert type scale. Findings indicated majority of the respondents were male (81.1%) with the mean age of 47 years. Most of the respondents were married (84.4%) with a mean household size of 10persons, they had one form of formal education or the other (65.5%), the mean farm size of 1ha with an average farming experience of 22 years. The study further showed that yam production in the area was profitable and viable with a positive gross margin. The benefit cost ratio was #1.80K. Estimates of the OLS multiple regression indicated that the coefficient of seed (β = 1.859), fertilizer (β =-2.036), labour (β =-7.904), herbicide (β =37.834), education (β = 3366.806) and age (β = 758.368) significantly influenced yam output at 5%. The major constraints identified to yam production in the study area were high cost of inputs (M= 3.4), inadequate credit facilities (M = 3.2), poor storage and processing facilities (M=3.1). For increased output, the study recommends that production inputs be subsidized to farmer, and credit should be made available specifically for yam farmers to ease their production enterprise.