Socio-economic factors influencing cassava production in Kuje and Abaji Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined socio-economic factors influencing output level of cassava production in Kuje and Abaji Area Councils of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The specific objectives were to:identify the socio-economic
characteristics of sampled cassava farmers in the study area; determine the socio-economic factors influencing the output level of cassava in the study area; estimate costs and returns of cassava production in the study area. A total sample size of eighty (80) farmers was sampled using simple random sampling technique. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to extract information on socio-economic characteristics, inputs, prices of outputs and inputs.  Information collected on socio-economic characteristics were age, sex, farming experience, household size, level of education, marital status. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting model, and multiple regression analysis. The result of the analyses shows that eighty (80) percent of sampled farmers are female. About seventy-three (73) percent of sampled cassava farmers are less than 45 years of age. Also eighty-five (85) percent are married. Econometric multiple regression  analysis revealed that age, level of education and sex were significant at 10% level of probability. The coefficient of multiple determinations implies that 58.9% of variation in output of cassava is explained by variation in the explanatory variables included in the model. Estimated costs and returns revealed a net farm income of N42, 207 per annum, which shows that cassava production in the study area is profitable. From the findings, it is suggested that extension agent should make new technology  available in the study area to enhance skills acquisition and increase in output.

Key words: Cassava, socioeconomic factors, output, Federal capital territory.