IMPROVING THE GROWTH AND MARKETING OF UGU VEGETABLES AMONG WOMEN IN ENUGU SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

1.2 Statement Of Problem It is estimated that over 90% of the total land cultivated in Nigeria is in the hands of small scale farmers who also account for up to 90% of the total agricultural output (Onokerhoraye, 2015). In Nigeria, the output of ugu known as fluted pumpkin has not been able to meet the demand for human food not to mention that for livestock feed, as a result of the growing need of vegetables, thus the task of producing enough ugu [fluted pumpkin] pose on increasing challenge (Ojo, 2022).In most rural communities of Enugu South local government area, where this study is based, traditional agriculture prevails and farming is seen as a way of life rather than a business venture and often these farmers have no knowledge of advanced management techniques, they do not keep proper farm records and depend mainly on family labour. They are also faced with problems like pest and disease attack, high cost of agro-chemical, poor market structure, poor storage facilities, inadequate credit facilities, bad roads, high cost of hired labour, poor infrastructure/transport and land tenure systems problems. Ugu known as Fluted pumpkin is highly seasonal and the commodity itself is perishable and costly to store. This seasonality in-balance between supply and demand account for at least the price fluctuation and unstable farmer’s income. In view of this, this study focuses on improving the growth and marketing of ugu vegetable among women in Enugu South local government area.