ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF MAIZE PRODUCTION IN EGBEDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE

The study on the economic analysis of maize production in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State aimed to evaluate the profitability and challenges of maize farming. Maize is a staple food and key source of income for many households in the region, but traditional farming methods and poor access to inputs have constrained its production potential. The broad objective of the research was to examine the socio-economic characteristics of maize farmers, assess their cost and return structure, identify determinants of income, and explore challenges affecting maize production. The methodology adopted involved a two-stage sampling technique to select 120 respondents across six maize-producing villages. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and interviews, focusing on farmer demographics, farm characteristics, input costs, and revenues. Analytical techniques such as descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, and regression models were employed to evaluate socio-economic factors, income determinants, and production constraints. The findings revealed that maize production is profitable, with a gross margin of ₦3,990,000 and a rate of return on investment of 1.2. Key determinants of income included labor, farming experience, and pesticide usage, which positively influenced profitability, while the cost of seeds had a negative effect. The study also identified several production constraints, such as limited access to improved seeds, inadequate loan facilities, poor soil fertility, and challenges related to storage and transportation. In conclusion, maize farming in Egbeda LGA offers significant profitability, but to enhance productivity and sustainability, farmers need improved access to modern farming inputs, credit, and extension services. The study recommends that government and development agencies provide more support through training, better seed varieties, and infrastructure improvements to overcome the identified challenges and ensure the long-term viability of maize production.