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
In this study, farm household income accumulation and inequality was analyzed among cassava-based farmers in Uyo Agricultural Zone, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria. Data was collected from one hundred and fifty respondents selected through a multistage sampling technique and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Gini-coefficients and multiple regression analysis. Result revealed that majority (55.3percent) of the respondents were female who were married (53-3%), belonged to farmers’ union (62%) with a mean education, age, farming experience and household size of 14years, 43 years, 11 years and 6 persons, respectively. Only 15.3 percent were able to access credits. The result also showed that of a total income of N18,199,070 that was earned by respondents, N1,755,600 (9.81percent) was earned by respondents whose income were less than N60,000, while N3200,000 (17.5 percent) was from those whose income ranged from N 60,000- N 100,000, N 3,360,420 (18.7 percent) was from those whose income ranged from N 100,000 1- N 150,000, N2,964,000 (16.3 percent) was from those whose income ranged between N 150,0001- N 200,000 while N2,730,000 (15 percent), N2,340,350 (12.8 percent) and N1,798,600 (9.9 percent) were from respondents whose income ranges were N 200,001- N 250,000, N250,0001- N 300,000 and above N300,000 naira, respectively.. The result of Gini-coefficients showed a high index of 0.858, denoting the high incidence of income inequality among cassava farmers in the study area. Findings also showed that household income accumulation was affected by household size, educational level, age of farmer, number of household members gainfully employed, access to credit and farm size. The study recommended pursuing policies that will promote education and enhances farm income as way out of poverty.