Determinants of farm productivity among fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F) farmers in Ikenne local government area, Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract

Telfairia is widely cultivated for its palatable and nutritious leaves which are used mainly as
vegetable. This study examined determinants of farm productivity among fluted pumpkin
farmers in Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun state, Nigeria. Two-stage sampling method
was employed for this study. Data was analysed using Descriptive statistics, Total factor
productivity and Ordinary least squares regression analysis. Results showed that mean age of
farmer and farming experience were 40.1± 1.1years and 6.5 ± 2.3 years respectively. The
regression result showed that cost of labour used, educational status, cost of fertilizer used,
frequency of extension visits and farmers’ experience siginificantly affected pumpkin farmers
productivity. The study recommends the enhancement of farmers’ access to education and the encouragement of the use of fertilizer and labour saving technologies in the fluted pumpkin
farms.

Key Words: Farm productivity, Two-stage sampling, Access, Fluted pumpkin