Socio-economic factors influencing Yam Production in Ikom Agricultural Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

 This study examined the socio-economic factors influencing yam production in Ikom Agricultural Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. The  objectives of the study were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of yam farmers, and determine the socio-economic factors influencing the output of yam in the study area. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select 240 yam farmers who were  interviewed with the aid of structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using both descriptive inferential statistics. The  study revealed that the majority (75%) of the farmers were male, with a mean age of 43 years. Majority (62%) of the farmers have an  average household size of six members, cultivated 1.16ha, and had an average year of farming experience of 16.4. The double-log  regression model revealed that age, gender, household size, farming experience, and educational level significantly influenced yam  production, and their relationships were statistically significant at 1% levels of probability. The study recommends that awareness be  created by educating the farmers on improve techniques on yam farming. Specialized training based on age groups, gender, and   educational levels can enhance the skills and knowledge of yam farmers.