Responsiveness of Cassava Demand to Variations in Price and Income in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria (2000-2012)

Abstract

This study was conducted to ascertain the responsiveness of cassava demand to variations in price and income in Ikwerre local government area of Rivers state, Nigeria.  The study particularly focused on changes in demand due to price change and changes in cassava demand as a result of income variation as well as examine the trend in supply and demand of cassava between 2000-2010 in Ikwerre local government.  Secondary data were sourced from agricultural development programme (ADP) and ministry of agriculture.  Tables as well as elasticity measurement and regression analysis were used as analytical technique.  The study revealed that there was excess demand for cassava in Ikwerre local government, between 2000 to 2009.  This also increased the price of cassava.  The study also revealed that the income level was relatively high since Ikwerre local government area was close to the city (semi urban) and that as income increased, cassava demand fall which makes cassava inferior good (table  2)  The study recommended that unnecessary destruction of farm lands due to urbanization be checked in other not to create food insecurity and that incentives be given to farmers to produce more cassava to march increasing demand in study area( Ikwerre local Government Area)