Effects of the psaltry cassava out-grower scheme in enhancing smallholder productivity in Oke-Ogun Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of Psaltry cassava Out-grower scheme in enhancing smallholder productivity in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State. Pre- and post-intervention combined with treatment and control group designs were used. Data were collected from 232 Out-grower and 49 non- Out-grower farmers using interview schedules. Data were analysed using percentages, ttest and regression analysis. Assured markets (90.5%) and training on postharvest handling of crops (69.9%) were the most common supports received from Psaltry. Long bureaucracy involved in documentation (x̄ =2.23) was the most severe constraint faced in the scheme. Total cassava harvested and productivity among Out-growers increased from 30,950.89±31,133.48kg to 106,116.88±96,926.01kg and 5,649.2±3835.3kg/Acre to 9,143.6±8799.1 kg/Acre before and after participating in Psaltry scheme, respectively. A significant difference existed between the productivity of Out-growers and non- Out-growers (t=7.256; p≤0.05). Membership of group (β=0.319) and length of involvement in the Psaltry scheme (β=0.157) positively and significantly influenced Out-growers’ cassava productivity. The Psaltry Outgrower scheme had stimulated beneficiary’s smallholder farmers towards higher productivity. A scale-up of the Psaltry model has prospects for transforming smallholder farmers to commercial producers.

Keywords: Out-grower scheme, cassava farmers, market linkage, smallholderfarmers, psaltry scheme