A Model Application to Assess Resource Use Efficiency for Maize Production in Soils of Northcentral Nigeria: Counseling Implications for Sustainable Land Use Optimization

Abstract

Maize constitutes a major agrarian production setting in Nasarawa State, northcentral Nigeria but the production level is not matching domestic demand. The study assesses scientifically the resource use efficiency of this crop for future production optimization. Data from 2009/2011 maize production yearswere used. Socio-economic (qualitative) data were collected from administered questionnaire on ninety farmers from three communities (Doma, Ayaragu, and Shabu) in Lafia.Data was statistically analyzed usingdescriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Soil samples were analyzed for lithological similarity of the soils. Result showed that soil properties varied within the locations but were of similar lithology. 72 % respondents constituted active farming age (32-50 years) and about 30 % over 50 years in age.Regression analysis showed that quadratic factorial form was best fitted with R² = 92.0% and adjusted R² = 91.4%. Yield increased by 0.17, 0.08 and 78.2 Kgha^-1 for every unit of seed, labor and land used. Maximum yield estimate (2.34 tha-¹) was obtained based on optimal levels of input. All the inputsshowed decreasing returns to scale, except fertilizer. There is need to reduce the use of variable inputs, which returns are less than the cost so as to increase present level of production profitability by the farmers. The scope of higher production lies in adequate availability of inputs.Educating and training the farming community to adopt innovative technology is important for efficient useand sustainable management of their farm soils and crops.

Keyword: Model, Resource Use, Production, Zea mays , Nigeria