Productivity of Cassava, Yam, and Maize Under Tropical Conditions

Abstract

World per capita food production has increased from 1961 to 2005 yet much of the population of Africa continues to be malnourished. The role of resource use combinations to increase agricultural output has been widely recognized. Productivity of cassava (Manihot spp.), maize (Zea mays L.), and yam (Dioscorea spp.) under tropical conditions was studied in Nigeria. One hundred twenty households were selected in four villages. Descriptive statistics, budgetary, and stochastic production frontiers techniques were employed in the analysis. Average profit, gross margin, and cost ratio in a production season were ₦38,455, ₦52,303 (₦; Nigerian currency), and 1.81, respectively. Labor was the main cost item. Stochastic production frontier estimates indicated that labor and asset endowments of producers were positively significant variables determining level of output. A percentage increase in man-days of labor brought about a 29% increase in level of output and a 1% increase in value of asset of an average producer brought about a 25% increase in level of crop output. Efficiency indices indicated that younger, single, and educated producers were the most technically efficient. Farm size, asset, use of inorganic fertilizer, and credit availability were significant factors determining producers' efficiency. All producers were operating below the frontier. Understanding of application fertilizer and handling of large farms and credit accessibility are necessary to encourage young, educated producers to continue in agriculture.