Assessment of the Constraints of Orange Flesh Sweet Potato Production in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was on constraints of orange flesh sweet potato production in the Awka South local government area of Anambra state. A multistage sampling technique was employed in the selection of location and respondents. The data were collected from 100 orange flesh sweet potato small holder farmers. The primary instrument used for data collected was structured questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.  Majority of the farmers are male (75.0%), with average age of 47 years. Majority (60.0%) of the farmers are married, greater proportion (56.0%) of the farmers have 16 years and above farming experience, (65.0%) of the farmers had secondary education, (57.0%) of the farmers have 6 – 10 people in their households, and majority (72.0%) have a farm size of 11 plots and above. The coefficient (1.048) of the Farm size was positive and significant at 5% level of probability. Age, household size, education, extension contact and access to credit have a positive influence on orange flesh sweet potato production at a 1% level of probability. The model's robustness, explaining 67.00% of profit variability, revealed the significance of these factors in shaping economic outcomes. Furthermore, the challenges faced by farmers, with their mean scores are as follows Low Capital (M = 3.10), far Distance from the Farm (M = 3.06), high cost of labor (M = 3.33), Attack of Pests and Diseases (M = 3.04), and Lack of Improved potato vines (M = 3.00). In conclusion, addressing these constraints through research and policy measures is crucial to enhancing the economic viability of orange flesh sweet potato production. The study recommended that there is need to improve the productivity of farmers by encouraging increased use of improved production technologies and availability of cheap credit to the producers.