SOCIO -ECONOMIC FACTORS AND CONSTRAINTS INFLUENCING PRODUCTIVITY AMONG CASSAVA FARMERS IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study determined the socio-economic factors and problems influencing cassava production in
Taraba state, Nigeria. Data were collected from 115 respondents using a structured questionnaire
covering 2010/2011 farming season. The data were analyzed using descriptive However, cassava
production have some constraints, prominent among which are; inadequate finance accounting for
50.43 %, unattractive price of cassava recording 24.3 %, and high cost of inputs, like fertilizer,
herbicides, improved cassava cuttings accounting for 8.7 %. Others are labour shortage, inadequate
extension agents, pests and disease infestation. The research recommended public private partnership
(PPP) to sensitize and educate farmers to enable them benefit from the new innovations and
technology that abound in the agricultural sector.