ECONOMICS OF CASSAVA PRODUCTION AMONG FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN OJU LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Cassava plays a critical role in food security, energy security, poverty alleviation, and the economic sustainability of millions of smallholders in developing countries, including Nigeria. Its relevance to the food security in rural and urban areas demand increased processing of its tubers into many products that can satisfy consumers’ diverse tastes. This study, therefore, focused on economics of cassava production among farming households in Oju Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select 120 respondents for the study. Primary data were employed with the use of structured questionnaire instrument and were analyzed through descriptive statistics, budgeting techniques, and multiple regression analysis. The result revealed that most cassava farmers (62%) were male, 62% were married, and 70% were literate. The average household size was 5 persons, and the average farming experience was 9 years. Additionally, 70% of the farmers lacked access to credit, while 79% were not part of any cooperative association. The cost and return analysis showed that cassava farmers earned an average gross return (total revenue) of ₦205,000 per/ha, with total variable costs of ₦142,000 and fixed costs of ₦16,650. The total production cost per farmer was ₦158,650 per/ha, resulting in a net farm income of ₦46,350 and a gross margin of ₦63,000. The return on investment (₦0.29) indicated a profit of 29k for every naira invested. The multiple regression analysis identified age, educational level, farming experience, farm size, and cooperative membership as significant factors influencing cassava output. The study concluded that cassava farming in the area was profitable. The following are the recommendations, that increasing the levels   utilization of farm size, education and farming experience will result in an increase in the level of output of cassava. Also, farmers be recommended to form goal driven association groups and pool resources together to improve upon their finances.