An Evaluation of the Benefits of the use of Flexible and Non- Flexible Plastic Materials among Agro-Enterprise Owners in the Calabar Agricultural Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates the benefits of the use of flexible and non-flexible plastic materials among agro-enterprise owners in the Calabar Agricultural Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria The objectives of the study were to ascertain the benefits of the use of flexible plastic products by agro-firm owners in the study area, and to assess the benefits of the use of non-flexible plastic products by agro-firm owners in the study area. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Primary data was through a structured questionnaire while secondary data was gotten from the Cross River State Ministry of Agricultural. A total of 153 respondents were surveyed. The population of the study included farmers who operates selected agro-enterprises in the study area. Findings revealed that the use of plastic in various agro-firms/enterprises is not hazardous to their produce. Also indicated is that; the use of non-flexible plastic products improves the efficiency of their market, storage, movement of produce, retailing in smaller units, value addition, the physical condition of produce, among others. This study recommends that the production of plastic materials for agricultural use be void of toxic chemical and branded “Agricultural Plastic” and that small scale enterprises of any sought should be encouraged to utilize the benefits of plastic materials to enhance their business start-ups, rather than going for plastic alternatives which may be very expensive.