Economic analysis of swamp rice production in Ebonyi Southern Agricultural Zone of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to analyze the determinants and profitability of the output of swamp rice farmers in Ebonyi southern Agricultural zone of Ebonyi State. Primary data were obtained through the use of structured questionnaires. A total of eighty (80) swamp rice farmers were randomly selected from the different blocks and circles of the Zone. The multiple regression analysis (Cobb- Douglas) showed that education had positive effects on the output of swamp rice at 1% level of probability. Also, household size, farm size and farming experience were statistically significant at 5% level of probability. The equation explained 71.10% of the variation in the output of swamp rice production in the study area. The results also indicate that the net profit of swamp rice cultivation per hectare was N126, 590.00. Farmers should be encouraged to engage in swamp rice cultivation by providing access to funds. Formation of cooperatives is very essential to overcome financial constraints and ban on rice importation should be enacted to encourage local rice production.