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 analyzed tenure security and productivity of Cassava-based farmers in Abak Agricultural Zone, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Data was collected through a multi-stage random sampling from 150 cassava farmers using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics such as Z-test and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that most (34.7%) of the cassava farmers were within the age bracket of 41-50 years with a mean of 43 years of age. Majority (56.7%) were female with a mean household size and farming experience of 6 persons and 12 years, respectively. Farmers were quite educated (74.7%) with a mean of 14 years of educational attainment. Findings further showed a significant difference in Total Factor Productivity between tenure secured and non-tenure secured farmers at 5 percent level of probability (Zcal = 2.42 at 0.05). Analysis of individual resource productivity between both category of respondents, revealed a significant difference for land at 5 percent (Zcal = 2.053) planting material at 10 percent (Zcal = 1.921) and capital at 1 percent (Zcal = 4.634) probability levels, respectively. Also, the prevailing land acquisition pattern in the study area was inheritance (29.7%); with about 60 percent of respondents being tenure secured. Further analysis of the nature of tenure security showed that 44.59 percent had lease right, 35.66 percent had transfer right while only 19.75 percent had outright sales right. Result of the determinants of Productivity revealed that productivity of cassava farmers were significantly influenced by educational status, household size, farm size, tenure security status and fertilizer/manure. The study concluded that current effort aimed towards enhancing productivity in the study area should be tailored towards addressing the problem of tenure security. Series of policy recommendations have been offered.