Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 21 ISSUE 3
Written by Sunday Brownson AKPAN
The study modelled the labour productivity equation for waterleaf farmers in the Uyo agricultural zone of Akwa Ibom State, south-south region of Nigeria. Four hundred and twenty (420) waterleaf farmers were randomly selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and a multiple linear regression model based on Ordinary Least Squares estimation technique was specified and estimated. The explanatory variables used were derived from an in-depth reviewed of related literature and observed characteristics of the respondents. The empirical results revealed that; farmers’ marital status, education, household size, farming experience, access to extension services, quantity of waterleaf stems planted and the amount of credit collected as loans were positive determinants of labour productivity in the waterleaf production enterprise. On the contrary, farm size, quantity of manure used and non-farm income were identified as negative determinants of labour productivity in waterleaf production in the zone. Based on the results, it is recommended that, improved education of waterleaf farmers, provision of fertilizer subsidy and provision of quality planting materials should be considered when developing any policy framework for labour productivity of vegetable farmers in the State.
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