ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to determine the economics of Cashew harvesting in Uturu, Isiukwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. The area was purposely chosen for the study because of the cashew plantations there. A total of 60 respondents from 5 communities were randomly selected. Data was collected with a will structured questionnaire. The study examined the socio-economic characteristics of cashew farmers in the area, evaluated costs and returns involved in harvesting, and estimated the determinants of cashew harvested in the area. Data was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, net farm income and regression analysis. The business was assessed and found profitable. Net revenue of N46, 057 was realized. The exponential functional form was chosen as the lead equation. This was based on the R value and the number of variables significant. The exponential function accounted for only 60% of the variation in the dependent variables. Farm size, capital, farming experience and fertilizer were significant and positive determinants of harvesting. Unfavorable market prices, high cost of farm inputs low yield per hectare. Inadequate storage facilities, pest and diseases were found to be major constraints militating against the harvesting of cashew in the study area. The study recommended that stallholder farmers should be encouraged to establish their own plantations along modern specifications, farmers should form co-operatives to obtain high bargain for their cashew nuts and apples. Finally, improved and high yielding varieties should replace the old varieties.