Economic Analysis of Crop Production under Jibiya Irrigation Project, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined costs and returns of crop production under Jibiya Irrigation Project as well as problems that were militating against the achievement of the Project objectives. 120 farmers were randomly sampled and interviewed. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and farm budgeting model. The average age and land holding of the farmers were 42 years and 0.8ha, respectively. Majority of the farmers were married and can read and write. Most of them had between 0 - 5 and 0 - 3 children and dependants, respectively. Their average costs of crop production were N 94,513.61, N 90,969.20 and N 3,544.41 per hectare of total, variable and fixed cost, respectively. Whereas the total revenue, gross margin and net farm income they obtained were N 190,329.36, N 99,360.16 and N 95,815.75 per hectare, respectively. They enjoyed a net return on investment of N 1.01. There were many problems facing the farmers, which if not addressed adequately, will not only significantly reduce the productivity of crop production but will also discourage farmers from farming under the Project. The performance of the farmers, though good, could be improved if there is adequate funding of the Project; inputs are made readily available to farmers at subsidized rate and in good time and the farmers offer hands in ensuring the safety and security of the Project’s facilities.

Keywords: Economic analysis, Crop production, Jibiya irrigation project.