Catfish farmers are facing new barriers in both their production and returns on investment. Despite its potentials, the level of fish production has failed to meet domestic demand. This study aims to analyze the determinants of catfish production so as to boost the level of farm productivity and profitability. Random sampling techniques were employed in selecting the respondents for this study. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques and multiple regression analysis were the analytical techniques employed. The results indicated that most (58.3%) were within the age bracket of 20-39 years; 63.3% were male; most (75%) used organic fertilizer; 45% had no access to credit; most (75%) had formal education; 83.3% used earthen ponds; 83.3% were married; most (58.3%) had household population of 1-5 people; 66.7% had farming experience of 1-5 years; 75% hired labour; 91.7% had no access to extension contact; 58.3% had pond size of 1-400 sqm and most (58.3%) had stocking density of 1001-2000 fingerlings. The net farm income was ₦433,000/400sqm. Also, the estimated fixed and operating ratios were 0.43 and 0.67 respectively, while the benefit- cost ratio was 1.67. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.839, hence 84% variation in the output is attributable to variables included in the regression model. Furthermore, the constraints identified affected catfish production in the study area. However, improved access and supply of feeds, credit, technology, market linkages, extension services, input subsidy, cooperative formation and training are strongly recommended.

This study analyzed the economics of millet marketing at Laranto (Katako) market in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state. A purposive and random sampling technique was used for this study to select 60 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using the following analytical tools; descriptive statistics, Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), marketing margin and efficiency and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis. The result of the study revealed that most (87%) were male, the mean age was 41 years, 78% were married, most(55%) had primary school(≤6 years) education, most(47%) of the respondents had marketing experience of between 15-29 years, 63% had access to market information, and 47% were retailers/farmers. The marketing margin (profit) and efficiency were estimated at ₦3,650 and 0.34 respectively. The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) estimate was 4,850 which is an indication of market concentration. The estimate of the coefficient of multiple determination (R 2 ) was 0.727, suggesting that 73% of the variation in the marketing margin of millet grains was accounted for by the variables in the regression model. The coefficients of marketing experience (0.087), market information (0.254), quantity supplied (0.642) and marketing costs (-0.488) were statistically significant at 5% level. The significant constraints associated with millet grain marketing identified by the respondents were; inadequate capital (91.7%), high marketing cost (83%), price fluctuation (80%), and poor storage facilities (75%). Based on the findings of this study, policy actions should be channeled towards ameliorating these constraints to improve profitability and reduce marketing costs in millet grain market chain.

Broiler production supplements income of smallholder farm households. Profitability and productivity and analysis are important considerations in measuring efficiency or performance of a farm business; hence, improved output and income are not only a function of increase in the scale of production, but also how efficiently the resources are being utilized. This study therefore estimates the profitability and level of productivity among broiler farmers in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select respondents for this study. Primary data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, farm budgeting model and Total Factor Productivity (TFP) analysis. The study revealed that the net farm income of broiler production was ₦96,900/flock size; suggesting a relatively profitable venture with prospects for improved economic potentials. The estimated percentage profit margin was 45.6%; indicative of the percentage net margin accruable to the farmer from the estimated gross margin and benefit-cost ratio was 0.84. Furthermore, most (54.3%) of broiler farmers were sub-optimally productive as their TFP indices were below the optimal scale; attributable to sub-efficient input mix and cost of production inputs. In addition, constraints of broiler production in the study area included the following; high cost of feeds (92.9); high cost of chicks (85.7%); financial constraints (80%); high cost of poultry equipment (55.7%); high cost of medication (35.7); disease outbreak (28.6%) and inefficient market system (21.4%). Improving access to and subsidy of poultry feeds, chicks, production inputs and credit, extension, medical services and cooperative formation for market linkages are strongly recommended.

In the tropics, okra is an important vegetable crop and its production is a viable livelihood activity; however, several factors affect its marketing and margins derivable thereof. Therefore, this study analyzed the determinants of market margins among okra traders in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Primary data collected via multistage sampling were analyzed using descriptive statistics, market performance and regression analysis. The results revealed that the estimated market margin and market efficiency index were ₦1900/bag (100kg) and 0.35, respectively. Channel 4 (27%) had the highest percentage of commodity sales volume. The coefficient of multiple determination (R2) was 0.826; hence, 83% variation in the market margin was accounted for by variables in the regression model. Moreover, coefficients of the variables including age (0.873), education (0.696), market experience (0.571), cost price (–0.598), quantity sold (0.576), marketing cost (–0.72) and income level (0.98) were significant determinants of okra market margins. They identified constraints affecting okra marketing in the study area. This study recommends the provision of incentives, policy adoption to mitigate income inequality and improve market performance; regulation of commodity prices, agent exploitation and marketing costs; adoption of modern communication tools and technologies, market channel diversification; provision of market infrastructures and interventions.

The level of yield among sweet potato farmers is on a decline; low output and yield differences was observed, indicating the existence of inefficiency in production systems and variations in input utilization. Efficiency in resource use must be sustained in order to improve productivity and maximize farm output. This study therefore analyzed the technical efficiency of sweet potato production. Multi-stage sampling techniques were adopted in selecting 94 respondents for this study. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier production function. The socioeconomic variables of the respondents affected their farm efficiency and level of farm output. The estimated ratio of the L/R test was 0.579; indicating a goodness of fit of the frontier model and thus a rejection of the null hypothesis. The coefficients of sweet potato seeds (vines) (0.362) and labour (0.439) were positive and statistically significant at 5% level of probability, while the coefficients of farm size (-1.333), fertilizer (-0.452) and herbicides (-0.766) were negative but statistically significant at 5% level of probability. The inefficiency model revealed that the coefficient of farm capital (-0.172), education (-2.281), access to credit (-0.472), farming experience (-0.639), extension contact (-0.733) and membership of cooperatives (-0.396) were negative and statistically significant at 5% level of probability. The mean technical efficiency was 0.62 (62%) implying that the sweet potato farmers in the study area were not producing at optimal capacity. The constraints identified significantly affected sweet potato production in the study area. Subsidizing input costs; sensitizing farmers on appropriate farming practices, cooperative formation and efficiency in resource utilization; improving access to agricultural inputs, technology, farm capital, credit and extension services, market linkages, farm labour supply and the development of indigenous technologies in sweet potato production are strongly recommended.