Analysis of household labour-use in yam production- The case of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the analysis of household labour-use in yam production in Benue State, Nigeria. Data collection involved the use of primary data using a structured interview schedule to elicit relevant information from the yam farmers. A total of one hundred and fourteen yam farmers were randomly selected for the study. The analytical techniques used to achieve the specified objectives involved descriptive statistics and ordinary least square regression analysis. The study revealed that 74.6% of the yam farmers in the study area were male with a mean age of 43 years which was an indication that they were in their economically active age. In addition, allocation of labour varied with farming activities with 94.7% of the sampled farmers engaged both family and hired labour for their farm operations in the study area. The analysis of the determinants of household labour-use showed an R 2 value of 25% while the F-value was significant at p < 0.01 which implied that the model was of good fit. Years of experience (X3) and household size (X5) were statistically significant at p < 0.01 while age (X1) and, extension contact (X4) were statistically significant at p < 0.05. This indicated that those who had contact with extension agent better used the knowledge gained to enhance production efficiency of household labour in the area. The main household labour use constraints were inadequate farm inputs and lack of relevant information. Based on these results, it is therefore recommended that government and non-governmental organizations should sensitize the yam farmers on relevant information that would improve their productivity and efficient use of household labour in the area.