AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

ECONOMICS OF CASSAVA PRODUCTION IN OHAUKWU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Esheya Samuel Esheya

Abstract
This study analysed the economics of cassava production in Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi state, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select two hundred (200) cassava farmers from the study area. Data collection was done by oral interview schedules with the aid of structured questionnaire which was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as enterprise budgeting, gross margin analysis and benefit- cost analytical tools were used to determine the profitability of cassava production enterprise in the study area. Results obtained showed that majority of the cassava farmers, 129 (64.5%) were within the active working age range of 31 – 50 years and 89.5% of them were married. Also, most (79.5%) of the respondents had large household size of between 20 – 40 people and about 78.0% of the respondents attended primary school. Majority of the cassava farmers had a farm size of between 1- 2 hectares of which majority (78.0%) of them practiced multiple cropping. Lack of improved cassava varieties; livestock damage to their crops including the menace of herdsmen; lack of access road; poor marketing system; high cost of agro-chemicals; land tenure problems; lack of support by government; high labour cost and lack of cassava processing equipment were adjudged major constraints in the study area. Results of the profitability analysis further revealed that cassava producers realized per hectare average gross margin of ₦ 105,734.00 and net return on investment of ₦89,734.00 while the benefit – cost ratio for cassava was 1.6. Obviously, cassava production enterprise is profitable and can repay its investment costs at the end of each production cycle. Thus, government at all levels should assist cassava farmers to overcome the aforementioned constraints facing them in the study area for improved cassava productivity and profitability.