Abstract
Background: This study was designed to assess the effect of conflicts on yam production in Cross River State. The specific objectives of the study were to; identify the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, assess the effect of conflicts on yam production in the study area and ascertain the constraints faced by yam farmers in the study area. Methods: The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique. Three blocks were selected from each of the three Agricultural zones in the state. Three cells were randomly selected from each of the blocks sampled, which gave a total of twenty-seven (27) cells. A total of 450 respondents were selected for the study. Data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data obtained were analysed using percentage, mean and standard deviation. Result: The result of the analysis revealed that a good number of the respondents had formal education and were married (53.6%). It was equally observed that conflicts reduced yam availability (X̄=2.50) decreased productivity (X̄=2.78), displaced farmers (X̄=2.68), caused hunger and starvation (X̄=2.62) and reduced arable land (X̄=3.08). The study also noted that the following constraints affected yam production in the study area include insecurity among yam farmers and communities (X̄ = 278), high cost of labour (X̄ = 2.55), lack of funds (X = 2.58) and fear of unexpected conflicts (X̄ = 2.71) among many others. The study recommended that civil defence Corp should be posted to conflicts zones in the state to provide security to the farming communities during farming seasons. The study therefore concludes that government needs to provide compensations to yam farmers who abandoned their farms as a result of conflicts and these would encourage them to return home for their yam business enterprises.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call