Analysis of family labour utilization in the production of selected crops in dry-lands: evidence from Kahutu, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Employment on family farms plays an important socio-economic role in dry-land agrarian economies. Given the cropping system, information on the utilization of family farm labour in various crop production activities is an important first step in suggesting measures that could improve its use-efficiency. Guided by a conceptual framework for the analysis of factors influencing the management decision of family farm labour, this paper presents empirical evidence on the utilization of family farm labour in various crop production activities. The analysis is based on survey data collected in 2013 from a sample of 118 farm households that were systematically selected from a population of 5290 households in Kahutu village, Katsina State, Nigeria. Descriptive statistical method using bar charts show that family farm labour utilization measured in average man-days per hectare is highest in May (for maize production), June (for rice production) and July (for sorghum production). On the other hand, the months of June (for maize production), August (for sorghum production) and April (for rice production) have the least family farm labour use. Moreover, weeding requires the highest average man-days per hectare in the cultivation of maize (> 8) and sorghum (≈ 10). However, for rice production, land preparation has the highest (≈ 7 man-days). Therefore, ways to mechanize weeding and land preparation for these crops should be explored by government in collaboration with key stakeholders

Keywords: Crop Production Tasks, Family Farm Labour, Dry-lands