Authors : U.A.U. Onyebinama and J.C. Onyejelem
Abstract: The broad objective of this study was to determine and comparatively analyze the factors that influence the income of cassava farmers in rural and urban areas of Abia state, Nigeria. Primary data used for the study were collected using a questionnaire. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics such as means and percentages t-test, the ordinary least squares regression technique and chow’s test. In Abia state, women are the dominant producers of cassava and cassava products. Cassava farmers in rural areas on the average earned higher incomes than those in the urban areas. Farm size was the only significant determinant of income of cassava farmers in rural areas, while labour, value of capital inputs and sex were significant determinants of the income of cassava farmers in urban areas. Access to credit for cassava farmers in both rural and urban areas was poor. Lack of capital, poor rural roads, lack of storage and processing facilities, theft of produce incidence of pests and diseases and high cost of inputs were the major constraints faced by cassava farmers in the state. Interventions that will lead to increased output and improve the income of cassava farmers such as women friendly production and processing innovations improved access to land and credit, provision of rural infrastructure and a comprehensive crop insurance scheme are needed.
U.A.U. Onyebinama and J.C. Onyejelem, 2010. Comparative Analysis of Determinants of Income of Cassava Farmers in Rural and Urban Areas of Abia State, Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 5: 57-62.