ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF COWPEA PRODUCTION IN DONGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE, NIGERIA
1*Musa, Y.H., 2Vosanka, I.P., 3Inuwa, A* and 4Mohammed, S.
Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
*Taraba State College of Agriculture, Jalingo, Nigeria Donga Local Government Area
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to analyze the economics of cowpea production in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State. The specific objectives are to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, determine the profitability of cowpea production and identify the major constraints of cowpea production. Data were mainly obtained from primary source from 80 respondents using multi-stage sampling techniques, and were analyzed by means of simple descriptive statistics and gross margin. The result of the socio-economic characteristics revealed that 88.75% of the respondents were males, 48.75% fall within the age brackets of 21-30 years. About 82.50% attended different education levels with 43.75% having farming experience of 11-20 years, and 56.25% of the respondents had farm size of 3-5 hectares. Total cost of production was estimated at N26, 225.00 per hectare. The returns was estimated at N153, 250.00 for gross income, with gross margin, net income and per naira invested estimated at N66, 005.00, N37, 380.00 and N0.7565.00 respectively. Some of the major problems identified during the research included pest infestation (90%), inadequacy of farm inputs (87.50%) and lack of credit to the farmers. Proper enlightment and education on pest control, timely and adequate provision of inputs and credit by government to enhance productivity and income of farmers were recommended.
Keywords: Economic Analysis, Cowpea, Production, Profitability, Zing.