PROFITABILITY OF SWEET POTATO PRODUCTION AMONG FARMERS IN SHELLENG LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Shelleng, B.A.
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension,
Adamawa State University, Mubi
Email: Balaabubakar76@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The study assessed the profitability of sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas lam) production in
Shelleng Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Purposive and simple
random sampling procedure were employed to select 65 sweet potato farmers. The
results reveal that majority (77%) of the respondents were in their youthful
age, capable of engaging in farming activities. Both males and females do
cultivate sweet potato in the area. The results also showed 20%, 22%, 23% and
35% had tertiary, Qur’anic, primary and secondary education respectively.
Eighty nine percent of the respondents have no contact with extension workers.
The study reveals that 57 % of the of the respondents source of capital as
personal savings. Relations, 38% and loans from Banks with 5%. Majority (56%)
of the farmers started the enterprise with initial capital of less that N45,000. The survey further reveals small farm
holders (0 2 – 0.5 ha) cultivates more land (11.4 ha) than their large farm
holders (1.1 and above ha) who cultivates only 4.8 hectares. But in terms of
profitability large farm holders get more net profit of N578, 447.00 compared to small holder’s N447, 539.00 per hectare. Poor storage facilities, problem of
middle men and high cost of labour were identified as the major constraints to
productions as such government through their agencies concern to help the
farmers in improving storage facilities, curtail the activities of middlemen in
marketing their products.
Keywords: Profitability, Sweet potato, Cultivation, Farmers, Shelleng