Perception Of Farmers About Profitability Of Vegetable Gardening Enterprise In Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area Of Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed perception of farmers about profitability of vegetable gardening enterprise in Ahiazu Mbaise local government area of Imo state, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to 60 randomly selected farmers in the study area. Data collected were analysed using frequencies, percentages and mean scores. Results showed that majority of the respondents (70%) were married, with mean age of 37 years. About 78% of the farmers had secondary education. The mean farm size was 9 plots. Most of the respondents (67%) perceived that vegetable gardening was profitable. The average monthly amount spent was N765 while an average revenue of N1200 was realized from vegetable production in the area. The average profit was N435, which is very low. It was recommended among others that farmers should form co-operative societies to enable them acquire enough
land for gardening. Government should provide appropriate materials and technologies that will help to reduce the labour involved in the production of vegetables.