Profitability analysis of cowpea in Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined profitability of cowpea production in Funakaye Local Government Area of Gombe State. The primary data for the study were obtained using structured questionnaire administered to 38 sampled farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and multiple regressions were used to analyse the data. The results showed that the estimated gross margin, and returns on naira invested were N 42,602 and N 1.58 respectively. The result of the Double -log functional form revealed that the value of coefficient of determinant (R²⁾ was 0.67. The significant explanatory variables include quantities of seed (X1), agrochemicals (X2) and organic fertilizer (X5). The major constraints faced by the cowpea farmers include inadequate credit, poor road network, unfavourable climate and pest and diseases. It is recommended the three tiers of Government (Federal, State and Local) should assist the farmers with subsidised agrochemicals, seeds and capital in the form of loans in the study area.