Unlocking the Economic Potentials of Leafy Vegetable: A Case Study of Farmers in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analysed the economic potentials of leafy vegetable among farmers in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Primary data were used for this study with a well- structured questionnaire and personal interview for the collection of the data with a sample size of 150 farmers. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique and multiple regression analysis. The analysis of the data showed that about two-third of the farmers were male,74.7% married and the majority (58.7%) of the respondents were in their economic active age (41-50 years). Majority (94%) of the farmers were educated with the average farming experience of 14 years. The results also revealed that the major types of vegetables available in the study area were; Africa spinach, Pumpkin, water leaf, jute leaf and bitter leaf. The result on return on investment was 2.31, implying that for every N1 invested on vegetable production, there is a return of N2.31kobo which is an indication that the business is worthwhile. The study also revealed the gender, age of farmers, marital status, level of education and household size were the factors that significantly and positively influence leafy vegetable output in the area. The most serious problems encountered by the vegetable farmers were; inadequate capital, unstable price of vegetables, the incidence of pest, pilfering and theft and inadequate information. Thus, it is recommended that agricultural credit should be provided for vegetable farmers to boost vegetable production.