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Analysis of yam (<i>Dioscorea rotundata</i>) commercialisation among smallholder farmers in Imo State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study was conducted in Imo State in the southeastern agricultural zone of Nigeria to determine the socio-economic characteristics of the smallholder farmers, the extent of yam commercialization, and the determinants of yam commercialization by smallholder farmers in the study area. Multistage random sampling technique used in the study. Random field data from respondents using well structured questionnaire and oral interview were analyzed using descriptive statistics and OLS multiple regression model. The results of the study indicated that most of the farmers had a mean farm size of 0.71ha, and land holding by households was the major factor that determined the household income earning, while farm size, fertilizer input, access to extension service, access to credit and road conditions to the nearest market significantly influenced yam commercialization by smallholder farmers in the study area. These results called for government policy to motivate the smallholder farmers to become market oriented in yam production through the provision of good roads and adequate off-farm employment, as well as promotion of economies of scale in yam production through efficient use of land resources, fertilizer input, access to extension service and access to credit in the study area.
Keywords: Yam commercialization, market orientation and economic growth
