ABSTRACT

This study focused on cost and returns of yam production in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. The broad objective of the study was to determine the cost and returns of yam production, in the study area; ascertain the level of profit from yam production and to describe the socio economic characteristics of respondents among others. A multi stage sampling technique was adopted to sample a total of 60 yam farmers. In the first stage four autonomous communities were randomly selected. In the second stage, 5 respondents were randomly selected from each of the 12 villages making a total of 60 respondents yam farmers in Bende Local Government Area. Data were generated using well structured questionnaire, interview schedule and observation method. In analyzing the data, descriptive statistics such percentages, frequencies and tables; cost and returns analysis and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple regression models were used to achieve the various objectives. Result obtained from the socio economic characteristics of the respondent showed that 41% of the respondents were female while 5 8.3% were male this showed that male are involved in yam production more than female. The farmers were within the age range of 31 and 75years with a mean age of 49.42 years. The result five of the eight variables fitted in the regression model were significantly and had relationship with the output of yams. The significant variables include marital status, household size, farm size, cost of fertilizer and cost of labour. The study recommended policies that encourage yam production like ownership of land, development of yam varieties, fertilizer distribution, rural road construction. These it is hoped will encourage people to invest more resources in the production of yams.