Analysis of Determinants of Farm Size Productivity among Small- Holder Cassava Farmers in South East Agro Ecological Zone, Nigeria

Aims: To examine the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers and determinants of farm size productivity among small-holder cassava farmers.
Study design: Time series data.
Place and Duration of study: The study was carried out in 2009 in the south-east agro ecological zone of Nigeria. April-June, 2009.
Methodology: A multistage randomized sampling method was used in selecting four states – Abia, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Cross River and then 240 cassava farmers in the area of study. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to elicit information from the respondents. Information sought bordered on the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents and input use. Analysis of data was carried out using log-linear regression model and descriptive statistics such as tables, percentages and mean.
Results: The results revealed that farm size was negative and significant at 1% and productivity of cassava increases with hired labour which is positively correlated with productivity at 1% level of probability. The coefficient of mode of occupation was positively correlated to productivity at 5%. It signifies that full time farmers are more productive than part time farmers.
Conclusion: The results have shown that there is an inverse relationship between farm size and productivity. This call for policies aimed at redistribution of land targeted towards giving land to small-holder farmers in order to improve productivity.