Socioeconomic Determinants of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) Production among Smallholder Crop Farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined socioeconomic determinants of African yam bean production among smallholder crop farmers in Ekiti State. Using a structured questionnaire and interview schedule, data were collected from sampled 120 farmers. Data were analysed using percentages, charts and OLS multiple regression analysis. The results showed that agricultural extension agents (85.0%) and fellow farmers or cooperatives (61.7%) are the prominent sources of farm-related information on AYB production. The result of the regression analysis showed that sex, household size, primary occupation, farm size and extension contacts were significant and positively influenced AYB production while education was significant but negatively influenced AYB production. Challenges against AYB production include inadequate finance (78.3%), high cost of labour (72.5%), low yield of AYB per hectare (68.3%), pest and diseases (65.8%), inadequacy of AYB for planting (60.8%) and old age of most farmers (53.3%) among others. The use of insecticides (81.7%), pesticides (40.8%) and use of traps (29.2%) constitute the highest pest and disease control measures used by the farmers. The study concludes that socioeconomic factors play significant roles in the AYB output of farmers. Efforts should be made to increase the capacity of the farmers through education and training to improve their efficiency and productivity.