Evaluation Of Risk Management Practices By Garri Producers In Bende Local Government Area Of Abia State, Nigeria:- Azubuike, Ifeanyichukwu

ABSTRACT

 The study evaluated risk management practices among garri producers in Bende Local Government area of Abia state, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected through random sampling technique from 120 farmers. The data were analyzed using descriptive and Tobit regression analysis procedures. The result from Tobit regression estimate indicates that soil fertility, erosion, unconstructed road network to urban market, high cost of transportation and high input price were the determinants of risk in the study area. The major management practices adopted by garri producers include the use of improved cassava stem, shifting cultivation and sequential marketing. The coefficients for fertility and unconstructed road networks were positively signed and significant at 5% level of probability as well as high cost of transportation and high input price which were highly significant at 1% level. The coefficient for low accessibility of credit was negative and significant at 5% level of probability. The coefficient for erosion was positively signed at 10% level of probability. Adjudging from the findings of the study, efforts should be geared towards the provision of improved cassava stem and fertilizer by the government at a subsidies price to help improve garri productivity and low soil fertility. Agencies and institutions of agriculture should be monitored and assessed on quarterly basis to ensure the perform their primary responsibilities of soft loan provision to farmers (garri producers inclusive) without prejudice especially in rural areas.