Input-Output Relationship in Cassava Production: Empirical Evidence among Cassava Farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria

This study assessed the input and output relationship in cassava production in Kogi State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 120 cassava farmers for the study. The survey instrument was a structured questionnaire. Data were collected on farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, inputs used in cassava production, and other relevant data. The data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics and Cobb- Douglas stochastic frontier production function. The result of the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents showed that most of the farmers were female (64.2%). This study found an average age of 39.8 years among cassava farmers with a mean family size of 8 members and an average farm size of 3.7ha. Inputs identified in cassava production are; herbicide (65%), hired labour (50.8%), pesticide (21.7%), organic manure (38.3%), fertilizer (29.2%) and improved cassava cuttings (22.5%). The parameters of the production function were estimated by the maximum likelihood method using the computer program frontier. Results indicated that farm size (β = 75862.79), cassava cuttings (β = 63.4853), and labour (β = 409.4048) significantly influenced the output of cassava farmers at 5% level of significance. Furthermore, age (β = -.9921587), household size (β = -10.52704) and farming experience (β = 1.634783) significantly influenced inefficiency among cassava farmers in the area. Recommendations made to enhance the input-output relationship in cassava production include; provision of improved cassava cuttings to boost cassava production and there should be adequate farmland for cassava framers.