Socio-economic Assessment of Ginger Production in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Order Scitamineae and the family Zingiberaceae. It is used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. it is a root crop and a typical herb extensively grown across the world for its pungent aromatic underground stem and rhizome which make it an important export commodity in the world trade. Ginger’s origin is not well established though it is generally thought to be native of Asia, where it was first cultivated. It was also cultivated in tropical regions of America. Ginger was introduced to Europe by Arab traders from India the first century AD. Ginger was introduced to Nigeria in 1927.The study was carried out to examine the socio economics of ginger production in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The objectives of this study are to; identify the socio economic characteristic of ginger production, assess the extent of profitability of ginger production in the study area, and to determine the socio economic factors affecting the production of ginger. The data were obtained primarily by administering questionnaires to 60 farmers that were purposively selected from four wards, namely: Daddu, Samban, Nok, and sab-zuro. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis gross margin and productivity. The result of the multiple regression shows that among 8 variables used in the analysis, only 3 variables significantly influenced ginger production education, credit, and farm size. The gross margin was calculated to be ₦177,756.69 and a return to naira of ₦1.21 was realized. The major constraints militating against ginger production in the study area are inadequate input, poor transportation facilities, high cost of labour and inadequate credit. It is recommended that extension services are needed in the study area to educate the farmer on the use of agro chemicals, input and agro practices toward increase in production and there is need for farmer to form cooperatives groups to help them provide credit to their member in good time and substantial amount.