Analysis of Yam Production among Women in Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed yam production among women in Wukari Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. It described the socioeconomic characteristics of women yam farmers, estimated the profitability of women yam farmers and determined factors affecting yam output. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire administered to 83 respondents selected for the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques and multiple regression model. The major findings of the study revealed that 64% of the women yam farmers were married, 62.65% were within 41-50 years while the mean age was 41years. Majority (67.47%) had formal education while 56.63% had over 10 years farming experience. The budgetary analysis revealed a gross margin of N455, 028, net farm income of N431, 248 and benefit cost ratio was 1.68, implying that yam farming was profitable. Significant factors that affected yam output were; yam seeds, fertilizer, herbicides and labour. The study recommended the participation of more young females in the yam production enterprise and early purchase of yam seed especially during the harvest season when price will be relatively cheaper.