Analysis of Cowpea Production under the National Programme on Food Security in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Attempt was made to analyze cowpea production under the phase 1 of the National Special Programme on Food Security in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, north western Nigeria. Information was collected from 45 randomly selected cowpea farmers by the use of structured interview questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, marginal analysis, farm budgeting and OLS multiple regression techniques. Analysis of the data revealed that the resource allocative efficiencies vary widely, ranging between 0.04 and 34.61 with a mean resource efficiency of
4.23, which implies that factor inputs were under – utilized in the area. Farmers obtained an average gross income of N1, 720.67/ha and N26, 079.66/ha with a return on investment of 44% in the adopted cowpea – millet and cowpea- sorghum-pearl millet cropping systems. The major problems faced by the cowpea farmers include insect-attack on field, inadequate supply of insecticides, intermittent drought and inadequate credit. Recommendations drawn from the knowledge acquired from the study were highlighted.