Baseline study of growers’ constraints in the production of apple (Malus domestica) in Plateau State Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Including temperate fruits like apples in her production and export line is one of the many ways Nigeria, particularly, Plateau State, can diversify her economy and consequently address the issues of poverty, malnutrition, and hunger. However, there are constraints confronting the industry. This research was carried out as a baseline study of growers’ constraints in the production of apple in Plateau State, Nigeria. Method and result: Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select the respondents for this study. Plateau State has 17 local government areas (LGAs) out of which four LGAs, namely, Jos South, Jos North, Barki Ladi and Riyom were purposively selected because of the prevalence of apple growers in these areas. Furthermore, the snowball sampling technique was used to achieve an enumeration of 30 apple growers, which were used for the study (total sampling). A well-structured interview schedule was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from respondents and the former was subjected to statistical analysis using descriptive statistics (means and percentages) while the latter was done using focused group discussions (FGDs) and analysed using qualitative tools such as Problem Tree Analysis (PTA) and Paired Needs Priority Ranking (PNPR). Research findings revealed that lack of extension services (x¯ = 1.93), inadequate finance/credit facilities (x¯ = 1.90) and high cost of farm inputs (x¯ = 1.83) were the most severe constraints to apple production in the study area. Using the PTA of low apple production in the study area, participants viewed lack of extension services, high cost of seedlings, inadequate/inaccessible credit facilities amongst others, as causes (roots) of the problem while high dependency ratio, low wages, loss of foreign exchange, etc., as the effects (fruits) of low apple production output. Furthermore, the PNPR revealed that subsidised farm inputs (especially cost of apple seedlings), extension services and credit facilities were the priority needs of the apple producers while receiving of market reports was their least prioritised need. Conclusion: The study concludes that lack of extension services, inadequate finance/credit facilities and high cost of farm inputs were the most severe constraints to apple production in Plateau State, Nigeria. The study culminates with a list of suitable recommendations.