LABOUR USE IN SMALL-SCALE YAM PRODUCTION IN QUA'AN PAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

The study analyses labour use in small-scale yam production in Qua'an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. In the process, data were collected from 92 randomly selected yam farmers on sources, categories, intensity and utilization of labour. Analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and marginal analyses. Results indicate the family as the most prevalent source of labour with men featuring in all farm operations unlike women and children. Furthermore, harvesting was the most labour intensive operation, followed by weeding and planting. Labour was found to be utilized below economic optimum level (under-utilization) by the farmers. Recommendations given include the need for timely provision of drudgery-minimizing inputs like herbicides, while policy and research efforts should make an articulate organization of rural labour markets and migrant labour to ensure availability throughout the production season.


Key Words: Labour use, Double log (Cobb-Douglas) fuctional form, Marginal analysis, Qua'an Pan Local Government Area, Plateau State.


Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 118-120