Economics of maize (Zea mays L) production in Kazaure Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The research was carried out in Kazaure Local Government Area of Jigawa State to analyze the economics of maize farming. A sample of 119 maize farmers was selected using a multistage sampling method. The findings regarding the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers revealed that 32.8% were aged between 41 and 50 years, 95% were male, 42% had not received formal education, with an average household size of 8 people, and 45.5% were members of a cooperative society. Moreover, the regression analysis demonstrated that age, membership in a cooperative association, and level of education were statistically significant at a 1% level, while household size was significant at a 5% level. The study further found that the total revenue per hectare of maize was ₦228,780, while the total production cost was ₦146,030 per hectare, resulting in a net farm income of ₦82,750 per hectare. Constraints identified in maize production included the high prices of farm inputs (26.5%), pest and diseases (18.1%), poor storage facilities (15.1%), and low market prices (10.1%). Despite these challenges, it is recommended that public-private partnerships be promoted to provide inputs at subsidized rates, develop pest and disease-resistant varieties, and improve market prices for maize.