CAUSATIVE FACTORS OF DECLINE IN COCOYAM PRODUCTION IN EZEAGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY

¹Ugbajah, M.O. and ²Uzuegbuna C.O.

¹Department of Agric. Economics & Extension Anambra State University, Igbariam

²Faculty of Agriculture, Anambra State University, Igbariam

Email: maryosy11@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The study was designed to investigate the causes of decline in cocoyam production in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State. Multistage sampling method was used to select 80 respondents for the study. Primary data were collected using structured interview schedule, personal observation and focus group discussions. Non parametric and parametric stastical tools including means, percentages, and factor analysis. The data were analyzed using percentage, mean scores and factor analysis. Majority (58.7%) were males while only 31% of the farmers had no formal education.  The ten grown cultivars include Ugwuta Ezi Nkashi Okparakara/Belekwu Agbaka Akonoke/Eyionke Ikapo Indian Coco    Nachi Obuguo Enyemenya Akupe. While the three most prominent among them were Okpakara, Ugwuta and Ezi – Nkashi. The major causes of decline in cocoyam production among farmers in the area were agronomic, socio – cultural, logistic and marketing problems. The causes of decline in production of cocoyam can be tackled by making loans available to farmers, subsidizing the cost of cocoyam and other farm inputs used in the production processes. The study recommended that government should encourage and finance cocoyam based research programmes and introduce improved practices for cocoyam production and processing in all ecologically suitable localities in the study area and the state as whole.         

Key Word:   Production, Cocoyam, Food security and Income