Economics Of Cassava Production In Idemili North Local Government Area Of Anambra State

ABSTRACT

This study set out to determine the economics of cassava production in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. This research was aimed at achieving the following objectives; determining the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers, determining the affordability rates of the cost of cassava production, determining the sustainability rates of the returns of cassava production, determining the factors that favour the production of cassava and identify the major problems associated with cassava production. As a step in achieving these objectives mentioned. A sample of (200) cassava farmers was randomly selected from four towns in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The descriptive survey design was adopted. The instrument for the study was questionnaire which contained 83 items. The results from the study indicate that constraints such as inadequate funds, inadequate farm land, high cost of input, lack of extension agents, high transportation cost of cassava produce, scarcity of cassava cultivars, unavailability of fertilizers, pest, and disease infestation, labour shortage, and unattractive price are the major· problems associated with cassava production. The study recommends that the following measures should be implemented. The governinent should provide adequate inputs, infrastructure and other facilities in order to alleviate the problems of high cost of inputs, as well as good and accessible roads. The state government should ensure that the land use decree is properly enforced in the area to make land available for intending cassava farmers, efforts should be made by the state and local governments to reduce the cost of labour for cassava farmers, this can be achieved by the establishment of tractor -hiring centers within the community by the state and local government.