Determinant Factors Affecting Vegetable Productivity in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Productivity of agricultural enterprises has remained a major issue in the agricultural sector in Nigeria; this study analyzed the productivity of smallholder vegetable farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria. A total of 204 respondents were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaire administered to sampled respondents. The study reveals that mean total factor productivity was estimated to be 2.67kg/₦. The OLS regression analysis revealed that farming experience at p≤0.10, farm size at p≤0.01, labor at p≤0.01, seed at p≤0.05, fertilizer at p≤0.01, agrochemical at p≤0.10, vegetable output at p≤0.01 and market distance at p≤0.05 were the factors affecting the vegetable farmers’ productivity in the study area.. High costs of fertilizer, agrochemicals, transportation, labour, and lack of improved variety and the problem of middlemen among others were the identified constraints faced by the vegetable farmers. The research recommended that inputs should be made available in right quantities and at affordable prices to the farmers by the government through the relevant stakeholders in agriculture. Vegetable farmers are encouraged to form a cooperative society or join an existing one in order to access for funds from government, private sector or non-governmental organizations. Timely and adequate extension service delivery should be fostered in the study area. If possible, government should acquire large expanse of lands and lease them out to vegetable farmers at reduced rates and less stringent conditions.