The Profitability Analysis and Perceived Constraints of Farmers in Pineapple Production in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the profitability and farmers’ perceived constraints in pineapple production in Edo State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire and interview schedules were used to collect data from 175 pineapple farmers who were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique during the 2012/2013 cropping season. The data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis. The results indicated that 76% of the farmers were males, aged 50 years on average, were mostly married (95%) with a mean household size of 7 people and engaged full time in agricultural production. The respondents were fairly educated with 86% of them having attained some form of formal schooling and only 21.6% being members of cooperative societies. The average period of experience in pineapple farming was 12 years with 59% of the respondents having no contact with the extension agents. The gross margin analysis revealed that pineapple production was a profitable venture in the study area with total variable cost and gross revenue of N167,121.00 and N772,854.00 respectively resulting in a gross margin of N605,733.00 per hectare. However, a number of constraints, such as inadequate credit facilities, weather and disease, poor network of roads, high transportation cost, lack of land & herbicides and poor extension services were perceived by farmers to hinder pineapple production in the study area. These constraints, if addressed, will lead to an increase in the productivity of pineapple not only in the study area, but also in Nigeria in general, by contributing to the wellbeing of farmers as well as their disposable income.