Abstract
The present study jointly determines the factors influencing decisions to diversify into multiple food crops (i.e., rice, yam and cassava) vis-à-vis profitability of 400 farmers from Ebonyi and Anambra states of Southeastern Nigeria using a multivariate Tobit model. Model diagnostic reveals that the decisions to diversify into multiple crops and profits generated therefrom are significantly correlated, thereby justifying use of a multivariate approach. Results reveal that 68% of the farmers grew at least two food crops and profitability is highest for only rice producers followed by joint rice and yam producers, which are mainly for sale. Farm size is the most dominant determinant of crop diversity vis-à-vis profitability. A rise in the relative price of plowing significantly reduces profitability of yam and rice. High yield is the main motive for growing yam and cassava whereas ready market is for rice. Other determinants with varying level of influences are proximity to market and/or extension office, extension contact, training, agricultural credit, subsistence pressure and location. Policy recommendations include investments in market infrastructure and credit services, land and/or tenurial reform and input price stabilization to promote food crop diversity vis-à-vis profitability in Southeastern Nigeria.
Highlights
A major criticism of the widespread diffusion of the cereal based Green Revolution (GR)technology in Asia and Latin America is its adverse effect on the loss of biodiversity and dominance of cereal monoculture
GR technology diffusion was attempted in Africa, the success and extent of adoption was limited and the continent is still characterized by diversified agriculture and semi-subsistence farming
We focus on profits generated from making crop choices because unless food is produced both for own consumption as well as for the market, the sector is unlikely to contribute significantly towards the growth of Nigerian agriculture
Summary
A major criticism of the widespread diffusion of the cereal based Green Revolution (GR)technology in Asia and Latin America is its adverse effect on the loss of biodiversity and dominance of cereal monoculture. A major criticism of the widespread diffusion of the cereal based Green Revolution (GR). GR technology diffusion was attempted in Africa, the success and extent of adoption was limited and the continent is still characterized by diversified agriculture and semi-subsistence farming. The agricultural sector is believed to have high potential, it is characterized by low level of productivity and modern technology adoption [2,3]. The country is one of the leading producers of cassava and yam in the world, supplying more than 68% of global yam production and providing the majority of the calorie requirements of its vast population base from these two staples [4,5,6,7].
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