ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF MAIZE PRODUCTION IN SOBA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE NIGERIA

ABSTRACT The study was conducted in Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A multistage sampling technique was used for this study. The study analyzes the economics of maize production in the study area; described the socio economic characteristics of the maize farmers, determined the profitability of maize production, estimate the technical, allocative and economic efficiencies of maize production and identify the constraints to maize production in the study area. First is the purposive selection of Maigana zone, given its importance in maize production. Secondly Soba Local Government Area was purposively selected based on the dominance of maize production activities among the farmers. Thirdly, two (2) districts were purposively selected from the Local Government Area due to their intensity in maize crop production. Finally, a simple random sampling was employed in selecting farmers from each of the district. Twelve point five percent (12.5%) of the sample frame (1096) was used as the sample size, given that the community is homogenous. In all, 137 farmers were randomly selected. Descriptive statistics, net farm income and stochastic frontier production functionwere used in analyzing the data. The result of the analysis shows that (36%) of the respondents fell within the age range of 28-37years, the majority of the farmers (50%) did not have formal education. the household size ranged from 1-7 persons with 50%. 65% were not members of a cooperative society. About 82% of the farmers did not have access to extension service while about 96% of the farmers did not have access to credit. The total revenue was ₦51924.41 while the total cost was ₦34644.8. The net farm income was therefore ₦17279.61. The estimated mean technical efficiency for maize farmers was 0.87. The mean allocative efficiency of the maize farmers was 0.62, while the mean economic efficiency of the maize farmers was 0.54. Finally, among the major constraints identified in maize production in the study area were high cost of inputs (24%), inadequate capital (23%) inadequate extension services (18%), poor selling market price (15%), poor climate conditions (11%) and pest and disease (6%) . High cost of farm input such as fertilizers, improved seeds and herbicides are the major constraints faced by maize farmers. Therefore, the government in partnership with the private sector should make available these inputs at subsidized rates through the small and medium scale enterprises.