Costs and Returns of Yam/Maize Production in Bosso Local Government, Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria, yam is the most important stable food crop while maize is the third most important cereal crop. However, small scale farmers do not always realize appreciable net returns from their combined production. Therefore, this study examined the costs and returns of yam/maize (mixed cropping) production in Bosso Local Government Area, Niger State. Primary data were obtained by multistage sampling techniques from the small scale farmers using structured questionnaires administered to eighty farmers. Descriptive statistic and gross margin analysis were used to analyse the data. The result showed that yam/maize farmers were of the active age of 43 years, majority were literate and experienced with average family size of 12 persons. Further findings showed that a typical yam/maize farmer incurred a total cost of N34,333.41/ha, realized a gross income of N 234,582.50/ha and a profit of N200,249.09/ha in the production year. This implies that yam/maize cropping enterprise is a viable venture since the profit value is positive and large in magnitude. Cost of fertilizer constitutes about 42% of total variable cost. It was recommended that inputs especially fertilizer need to be made available to farmers at a reduced cost.

Key words: yam/maize, costs and returns, gross margin