Economics Of Cocyam Production In Mbeke, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the economics of cocoyam production in Mbeke Isiala Mbano L.G.A Imo State. A total of 50 fanners were randomly selected and interviewed for the study. The study aims at socio-economic characteristics of farmers such as age, sex, level of education, house hold size, farm size, to determine the factors that affects cocoyam production, to determine costs and return of cocoyam production and determine the constraints faced by cocoyam farmers in the study area. The data collected were analyzed by the use of statistical techniques such as mean, percentage, frequency distribution and regression analysis. Result showed that the farm sizes, education level, years of experiences were significant factors affecting cocoyam production. 56.00% of the farmers were females while 44.00% were male. The total cost of production was N1398480 and the return from cocoyam production was N3 158400. This gives a total net return or profit per fanner was N35 198.40 which implies that cocoyam production is profitable in the study area. The major constraints faced by the farmers include lack of finance, lack of storage facilities, and bad road. The government should provide storage facilities to rural farmers so as to increase yield and reduce rots caused by lack of storage facilities.