Comparative Productivity Analysis of Cassava Enterprises by Project and Non-project Women Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria

This study has considered whether the differences in output and productivity among cassava women farmers in Benue state, Nigeria occur because of involvement in agricultural development project (ADP), or simply due to differences in observed characteristics. Data from 87 project (ADP) and 87 non-project (non-ADP) women farmers in Benue State, were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis and the ordinary least square regression techniques, during which respondents’ productivities were estimated, compared and determinants of productivity identified. Chi-square results showed that except for age and membership of farmers’ associations (which were significant), there was no significant difference between the socio-economic characteristics of ADP and non-ADP respondents. Regression results showed that there was a significant difference between the productivity of ADP and non-ADP respondents since computed F (27.56) was greater than tabulated F (1.93) at 5% level of significance. The coefficient of determination (R2) for ADP regression was 0.402 while F-ratio was 7.619 (P =.001). Significant variables were use of improved cassava stem cuttings (P =.074), amount of agrochemical used (P =.018), farm size (P =.064) and access to credit (P =.044). The R2 for non-ADP regression was 0.930 while F-ratio was 5.352 (P=.065). Significant variables were farming experience (P=.065), years of education (P =.019), family size (P =.013), and access to credit size (P =.031). Policies for greater project participation, access to education, family planning services, production inputs such as improved cassava varieties, land, agrochemicals and other identified needs by women farmers would improve their productivity and reduce poverty in Nigeria.