ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CASSAVA PRODUCTION IN IJERO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EKITI STATE

The study examined the economic analysis of cassava production in Ijero Local Government area of Ekiti state. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the respondents. The primary data used for this study was collected from the respondents through the administration of 105 well-structured questionnaires. The questionnaires were well structured in line with the objectives of the study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, 3 points likert type and Farm Budgeting Techniques, the result revealed the marital status showing that majority (82.9%) of cassava farmers in the study area were married with majority (70.5%) of the farmers had farming experience below 10years. The result shows that government policy with mean score (1.23) was the major factor affecting cassava production in the study area followed by theft (mean score = 1.13) and transportation (mean score = 1.13). Costs and returns for cassava production were analyzed with budgetary techniques and result revealed that for a hectare of cassava, there was a gross margin of ₦449,828 per ha with a cost benefit ratio of 4.48 implying that for every ₦1.00 invested in cassava production, there was corresponding profit of ₦4.48Kobo. The study revealed that 98.1% agreed that inadequate storage facilities, High cost of labour and Pest and diseases were the serious constraints of cassava production in the study area. It was recommended that Government to continue supporting and implementing policies that are favorable to cassava production. This might include providing subsidies, access to credit, and other incentives to cassava farmers.