ABSTRACT

This study was carried at to analyze the cost and returns of local and improved varieties of cassava production in Ikwuano L.G.A of Abia State. The broad objective is to determine the cost and returns of local and improved varieties of cassava by carrying out a comparative analysis between the two varieties in terms of profit. A total of eighty farmers were randomly selected and interviewed with the aid of a well structured questionnaire from the four major autonomous communities of Ikwuano L.G.A. Data collected were on age, income, level of education etc. The data were analyzed using tables, percentage, frequency distribution, mean, regression analysis and gross-margin analysis. The result of the analysis indicated that the use of improved varieties of cassava was more profitable than that of local variety. Most of the farmers are of middle age and literate. Majority use the local variety in production. Three separate regression equations were computed for the use of improved, local and mixed verities of cassava. The results indicate that farm size and income were significant and positive at 5 percent level for the improved variety. Income was also significant and positive at 1 percent for the level variety while for the mixed age, number of years spent in school and cost of labour were significant and positive at 5 percent level. Due to constraints identified such as lack of capital, lack of awareness of the costs and benefit of improved cassava technology among others, it is recommended that more extension work should be carried out in the study area in order to make more farmers aware of the benefits associated with the use of improved cassava varieties. Farmers should also get together to from cooperatives and government should provide the farmers with access to credit facilities.