Determinant of Income from Pineapple Production in Imo State, Nigeria An Econometric Model Approach

Abstract

The study was on determinant of income from pineapple production in Imo State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty households pineapple farmers were selected using multi-stage random sampling techniques. Well structured questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools gross income analysis and multiple linear regression. Mean age was 47.24 years. Majority (65.00%) were females. Average household size was 5.68 persons. Farmers cultivated on an average farm size of 1.41Ha. Average farm income was N81,810.00 ($545.40). Average farm output was 3910.00 tonnes Ha^-1 in the 2013 cropping season. Greater proportion (81.11%) practiced mixed cropping system. Positive net farm return and return per capita invested was N447,841.50 ($2,985.61) and N1.84 ($0.012) respectively. Estimated econometric result shows that household size, farm income, extension contact, educational level, farm size and membership of cooperative society influence income at 1% level of probability respectively. The F-ratio was (43.291), revealing the overall significant of the regressors at 1% level of probability. Pineapple production is lucrative and efficient in the area. However, farmers complained of inadequate production capital and inadequate storage and processing facilities. It was therefore recommended that farmers should be encouraged to form agricultural co-operatives to eliminate the exploitative activities of input agencies as well as enable them obtain credits from the government and other credits institutions. Good storage and processing facilities should also be provided for the farmers to reduce spoilage and distressed sales. Government at all levels and private’s sector support is required for provision of improved pineapple technologies to the farmers through strengthened extension service system.

Keywords: Pineapple, Production system, Gross income analysis, Output, Econometric model, Constraints, Imo State