Resource Use Efficiency and Profitability of Fluted Pumpkin Production in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examined resource-use and profitability of fluted pumpkin (Telfaria occidentalis Hook F. Cucurbitaceae) production in Ukwuani local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from questionnaire administered to 140 fluted pumpkin farmers drawn using systematic sampling techniques from the study area. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, marginal value productivity, multiple regression and a 5-point likert scale. Results showed that most of the respondents were females, illiterate and married. Farmers operated on subsistence level, about 95% practiced mixed cropping with farming experience not less than 5 years. An adjusted R2 value of 0.664 indicated that the independent variables; farm size, labour and quantity of seed in the model explained 66% of variations in the dependent variable (output). The F value of 60.09 showed the overall statistical significance with a P value of zero. Net return per hectare was $644.90. The benefit-cost ratio was $1 to $1.23 which implies that for every $1 invested, 23cents was obtained thus depicting that the enterprise was profitable in the study area. Resources under-utilized were quantity of seed and farm size while family and hired labour were over-utilized. Major constraints faced by farmers were; high cost of labour, lack of adequate and quality seeds, pests and disease attack, storage and transportation cost. It is recommended that effective agricultural extension services, credit and loan schemes and infrastructure should be provided to farmers in the study area for increased profitability, yield and resource-use efficiency of fluted pumpkin production.