Socio-economic Characteristics, Resource Utilization and Production Challenges Faced by Cocoyam Farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the socio-economic characteristics, resource utilization, and production challenges faced by cocoyam farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. The specific objectives include describing the socio-economic profile of cocoyam farmers, analyzing the influence of inputs on cocoyam output, estimating resource use efficiency, and identifying the primary constraints in cocoyam production. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, beginning with the purposive selection of five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Enugu State—Nsukka, Udi, Igbo Etiti, Nkanu East, and Ezeagu—known for cocoyam cultivation. Random sampling was subsequently used to select five communities within each LGA, followed by a simple random sampling of 100 cocoyam farmers, ensuring a representative sample. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, production function analysis, and ranking with mean score analysis. Findings reveal that socio-economic factors such as age, gender, and education significantly shape cocoyam farming practices. Production function analysis indicates that inputs like herbicides (t-value = 36.487) and seed (t-value = 3.261) have a strong positive influence on output. Additionally, the study identifies inadequate credit facilities as the most critical constraint, with a mean score of 3.37. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve resource access and enhance productivity among cocoyam farmers in Enugu State.