ABSTRACT

The study was on economic analysis of plantain chips production. The objective of the study include identification of socio- economic characteristics of plantain chips entrepreneurs in Osisioma Ngwa L.G.A, estimation of the profitability of plantain chips. The multistage sampling technique was used to carry out the research work where fifteen (15) plantain chips entrepreneurs were purposively selected from each of the four wards of the study area which give a total of sixty(60) respondents. In the analysis of this work, descriptive statistics, cost and return analysis and regression analysis were used. From the descriptive statistics, it was shown that entrepreneurs within the age 20-29 makes more profit in the business. It also showed that female dominates in the study area. it was also found out that household size of 5-9 person is more benefiting. The result also shown that the married persons are more involved in the business. It was also found out that secondary school leavers are more in the business. From the cost and return analysis, it was found out that the net income of plantain chips was N 68,500 which indicates that that the business is profitable . The regression analysis shows that linear function gave the best fit having R2of 0.91, F value of 108. 902. The following recommendations are made based on the findings such as government intervention on the business for healthy and safety of the products, provision of better handling and transporting means, encouragement of entrepreneurs to form cooperative organizations.