Benefits and Constraints of Cowpea Production in the Western Agricultural Zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The majority of Nigerian farmers, particularly cowpea producers, practice subsistence farming, which results in low production and  inefficiency. Cowpea-related research, on the other hand, has tended to focus on technical and allocative efficiency, with little or no  attention paid to the economic benefits of cowpea cultivation, especially in the study area. This study examined the benefits and  restrictions of cowpea production in the western agricultural zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria, as a result of this gap. A total of 160  cowpea farmers were chosen using a multi-stage sampling technique, and data obtained using a structured questionnaire for the 2018  farming season were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with the farm budget model being employed. The socio- economic analysis revealed that cowpea farming was dominated by men (68%), with farmers ranging in age from 41 to 50 years old (with  an average of 42 years). The majority of the farmers (45%) had less than one hectare of land and had at least eight years of farming  experience. The majority of farmers (48%) did not receive any extension visits from extension agents. Because the production was on a  small scale and over a short period of time, the estimated average variable cost was ₦93, 082. The fixed cost was minimal. Gross Revenue  (GR) was ₦249,202, Gross Margin and Net Farm Income were both ₦156, 119/ha, Gross Ratio and Operating Ratios were both 0.37, and  return on investment was ₦1.7, indicating that cowpea production was profitable. Prices of inputs, pests and diseases were the key  restrictions to cowpea production in the research region during the 2017 cropping season. According to the study, all stakeholders,  including international agricultural support institutions, NGOs, government extension departments, and farmer associations, should  work together to implement farming experiments and best management practices, such as optimizing input applications and  information management and dissemination, in order to maximize the benefits of cowpea production not only in the study area, but  throughout the country and beyond.