ANALYSIS OF CONSTRAINTS IN RESOURCE USE EFFICIENCY IN MULTIPLE CROPPING SYSTEM BY SMALL-HOLDER FARMERS IN EBONYI STATE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The constraints militating against the small-holder farmers in multiple-cropping system in Ebonyi State, Nigeria were analysed. A mult-stage sampling technique was adopted to select and administer questionnaire to 240 small-holder multiple-croppers. Data were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics. High lease charge (45%), problem of land fragmentation (35%), low fertility of the land (78%), distance of cultivable land (52%) and sex discrimination (100%) were constraints militating against efficiency of land use. The constraints against efficient labour use were high cost of labour, emigration, sex discrimination and other competing labour use each constituted 23%, 22%, 19% and 14% respectively. Result on constraints against capital use showed that non-availability of improved varieties of yam and cocoyam, high cost of modern inputs, lack of adequate finance and lack of collaterals among others served as major constraints, which constituted29%, 36%, 33% and 22% respectively. The study confirmed that multiple-cropping system would have been more efficient if these constraints were reduced or eradicated. Effective extension services as well as efficient policy formulation and implementation by government area recommended.


KEY WORDS: Resource use, efficiency, multiple-cropping, Small-holder, Ebonyi State.


Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 132-136