Gross Margin Analysis and Constraints Faced by Small Scale Rice Producers in the West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

This study was carried out to analyze gross margin and constraints faced by small scale rice producers in the West Region of Cameroon. A multistage stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents. A total of 192 small scale rice producers were purposively selected from four (4) out of eight divisions. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedule, administered on the respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The Results indicated that an average small scale rice farmer obtained a gross margin of 67,000 fcfa per hectare despite high cost of fertilizer and agrochemical (16.82 percent); Poor marketing systems (13.55 percent); Insect and disease attack (13.28 percent); Poor infrastructure (13.28 percent); poor storage facility (12.84 percent); limited access to credit (11.78 percent); Lack of improved varieties of seeds (6.90 percent); land tenure system (6.73 percent) and lack of extension agents (4.78 percent) were identified to be the major constraints in small scale rice production in the West Region of Cameroon. However, to increase farmers’ gross margin in the studied area, it is recommended that Agro processing industries should be established in the studied area with aimed at reducing the cost of fertilizers and agrochemicals.

Keyswords: Gross Margin, Constraints, Small scale producers, Cameroon