Efficiency of resource - use in cassava production in Kogi State, Nigeria: implications for food security and environmental degradation

Abstract

This study utilized data collected from 120 randomly selected cassava farmers in Kogi West zone of Kogi State to study the efficiency of resource use in cassava production and its implications on food security and environmental degradation. The study reveals that land, family labour, hired labour, fertilizer and planting materials are significant factors influencing the output of cassava. The scale coefficient is 1.304 hence, increasing returns to scale. In addition, only land out of all the inputs of production is over-utilized and farmers are much interested in the innovations that would increase income even if it means impoverishing the environment. Hence, they seem to be more concerned about the short term, rather than the long-term benefits of production. In concluding, it was recommended that the system of land tenure should be reviewed to favour long term holdings rather than short term and that modern farming inputs that would reduce the area of land cultivated, with increase in yield, be invested in so as to reduce the land area that has been over-utilized. Journal of Environmental Extension Vol.4 2003: 13-18