AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
Abstract
The study examined the capability of gnetum africanum production for improved livelihood and
sustainable development among rural farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from
120 gnetum farmers using multi-stage sampling procedure, and analysed using descriptive statistics
and budgeting technique. Results showed that 61.7% of producers were female with an average age of
35.7 years, about 49.2% were married with an average of 3 persons per household and 50% having
secondary education. On management system, about (73.3%) employed family labour. Land was
acquired mostly (71.6%) through inheritance. About 70.8% farmers harvest gnetum once a year on
about 20-80 stands which produced an average of 350 bundles at an average price of N350.5 per
bundle. The costs and returns analysis showed that the fixed cost constituted 32.84% of the total cost
of production while the variable cost constituted 67.16%. The average total cost of gnetum production
per annum was N246,656.94; the total revenue was N401,154.94 and the net income was N154,498.
Furthermore, grand mean score of 2.4 indicated that all the variables were severe constraints to gnetum
production except incidence of pest and diseases (x=1.6) and insufficient supply of root stock (x=1.7).
The study concluded that Gnetum africanum (Afang) production is a flourishing business which has
greatly improved the livelihood of production families, contributed immensely to poverty reduction and
rural development. Therefore, the study recommends access to credit, extension education and training
should be held at intervals so as to update farmers’ knowledge on improved cultural procedures and
practices as measures to improve commercial gnetum production in the country.