Economic Analysis of Cocoyam Production in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study examined the status of cocoyam in Enugu State, Nigeria. Cocoyam is ranked after cassava and yam as an important staple food crop among the roots and tubers cultivated and consumed in Enugu State. In Enugu State, the benefits of cocoyam and its role in the economy and livelihood of millions of rural poor have been under-estimated, under-reported and poorly appreciated; hence cocoyam production has received less attention by researchers and policy makers. The objectives of the study are to: examine the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in Enugu State, examine the profitability of small-scale cocoyam producers, and analyze profitability determinants among cocoyam farmers. Purposive and multi-stage sampling techniques were adopted for this study for the selection of 180 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using relevant econometric and other statistical tools. The study shows that the mean age of the respondents was 48years as average farming experience of the cocoyam farmers was 16.17years. The result shows that average educational means is 13.6years as average income is ₦193,545. Annual net profit of cocoyam farmers in the area was N466, 405.79. In conclusion, the research shows that majority of cocoyam farmers cultivated the root crop for household consumption and local sales. The implication is that less cocoyam is produced for export. Development and distribution of improved cocoyam cultivars by the government to the farmers is the recommendation from the study. Keywords: Cocoyam, Production, Households