AN EXAMINATION OF THE ECONOMIC PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CASSAVA PRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study: This study focuses on determining the economic cultivation costs of cassava in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. It is a crucial staple food crop globally, serving as a significant source of carbohydrates for those who rely on it for sustenance. Numerous development-oriented policies have been implemented in Nigeria, particularly in the agricultural sector, since gaining independence. The Federal Government has implemented various institutional and policy reforms aimed at enhancing the socio-economic status of smallholder farmers. Some of the programmes mentioned are the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF), River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), Agricultural Development Programmes (ADP), the Cassava Multiplication Programme (CMP), and the School to Land Programme implemented by the Rivers State Government. Various reports have indicated that a wide range of agricultural production activities, including cultivation, marketing, processing, and more, were thoroughly examined (ADP, 2005). The Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP) is a derivative of the CMP. Nnanna (2010) argued that RTEP is a programme focused on farmers, specifically targeting poor households and smallholder farmers. The main goal of RTEP is to improve national food self-sufficiency, enhance food security and income for rural households, particularly those in the cassava belt which includes the Southern and Middle belt States of Nigeria (Onyeneke, 2008). Cassava plays a crucial role in providing dietary carbohydrate for a significant number of people in Nigeria, estimated to be over 60 million (Abdulahi, 2003). The adaptability of cassava to relatively marginal soils and erratic rainfall, along with its high productivity per unit of land and labour, make it a fundamental part of the farming system in many areas of Nigeria, including Rivers State. Additionally, cassava offers the certainty of obtaining some yield even under the most adverse conditions and the possibility of maintaining a continuous supply throughout the year (Nweke, 1994). Hunger is a rare occurrence in regions where cassava is extensively cultivated, as it serves as a reliable foundation for the food production system. In addition to being a common food source for humans, maize has a variety of other applications. These include its use in animal feed, as well as in various agro-industrial processes such as starch and ethanol production. Maize peels can also be utilised in the formulation of organo-mineral fertilisers. Cassava has emerged as a highly valuable crop in Nigeria due to the successful implementation of the Presidential initiative on cassava, which has opened up significant opportunities for export.

Agriculture forms the foundation of Itu farmers, with a particular focus on cassava production. The introduction of cassava into tropical West Africa can be traced back to its origins in Brazil, when the Portuguese brought it over during the 16th and 17th centuries (Woyengi – Ina 1969). The history of cassava production in Itu Local Government Area dates back to the early days of the community. Sweet cassava, scientifically known as Manihot Ultilisima, belongs to the Euphobieace species. It has its origins in South Africa and is now grown in warm regions across the globe (IR VINE 1969).

Cassava did not exist in its wild state and its development as a species is closely tied to human cultivation and selection. Colonial governments in regions like Java, West Africa, and Southern India set up famine reserves and cassava processing export industries in places like Makker. Due to its longer maturity duration, cassava cultivation is primarily limited to tropical and sub-tropical areas.

In Itu, this root crop is highly valued and considered a close rival to yam in terms of popularity. The significance of this can be traced back to the colonial period, when cassava served as a crucial crop during times of famine. Some farm holdings in cassava cultivation continue to uphold this perspective. However, cassava today is commonly grown alongside other crops for commercial purposes. Hardwood stems cuttings are typically planted either on moulds or ridges, or on a flat bed, usually measuring around 30mm in length. Fertilising the soil enhances crop productivity, while giving proper care to early weed control can be advantageous. Cassava is consumed in various ways, including garri, fufu, tapioca, flour, and boiled or roasted for human consumption. It can also be used as feed for pigs and other herbivores. The leaves are consumed as a culinary delight.

In Itu, Akwa Ibom State, there is a thriving trade in garri, as cassava is widely cultivated and serves as a valuable cash crop with a promising market outlook. Enhancing the market for cassava will be crucial for the growth of its production. Finance is a significant challenge faced by farmers in Itu. Many cassava farmers struggle to secure the necessary funds to buy planting materials and hire labour for their farming operations. Occasionally, government grants are provided, yet unfortunately, some farmers have misused the allocated funds.

​​​​​​​PROBLEMS STATEMENT

1. To find out if there are suitable planting materials in cassava production.

2. To determine if farmers in Itu find cassava production more lucrative.

3. To investigate if there are available resources and materials to enhance cassava cultivation in Itu.

1.3  JUSTIFICATION AND BENEFICIARIES

Cassava is an important crop in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. It provides over 80% of the natives of Itu constant food on their table. It is therefore cultivated with pride. The justification of the study therefore is on the fact that there is need to analyze scientifically if cassava production is economically (profitably) viable in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The beneficiaries of the study include the farmers in the village, the clan, the state and the Nigeria in general. Also expected benefits from the study include researchers in the field of agriculture, economics and marketing research units of colleges of education and universities.

1.4  OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of the study is to analyse the problem of cassava production in Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The sub-objective include:

• To ascertain the factors that hinders cassava production in Itu LGA.

• To examine the various factors which influenced and limit cassava cultivation in Itu Local Government Area.

• To determine the profitability of cassava production in Itu Local Government Area.

• To determine the impact of cassava production on the economic development of Itu LGA

1.5  HYPOTHESIS

H0: there are no factors that hinders effective cassava production in Itu LGA

H1: there are factors that hinders effective cassava production in Itu LGA

H02: cassava production has no significant impact on the economic development of Itu LGA

H2: cassava production has a significant impact on the economic development of Itu LGA

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will be of great importance to the farmers in Itu LGA and beyond, as the study seek to ascertain the factors inhibiting effective production of cassava in the local government, the study will also be of importance to the Local government management, as the study seek to explore the benefit of effective cassava production to the economy of Itu LGA and beyond, as this will facilitate effective financing of the agricultural sector.

The study would also be of immense importance to students, researchers and scholars who are interested in developing a further study on the subject matter

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The scope of the study covers the economic problems of cassava production in Itu LGA of Akwa Ibom state. But in the cause of the study, there were some factors which limited the scope of the study:

a)     AVAILABILITY OF RESEARCH MATERIAL: The research material      available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study.

b)     TIME: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider         coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities        and examinations with the study.

c)     FINANCE: The finance available for the research work does not     allow for wider coverage as resources are very limited as the        researcher has other academic bills to cover

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Cassava

Manihot esculenta  is a woody shrub native to South America of the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy tuberous root, a major source of carbohydrates.

Cassava production

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) production is vital to the economy of Nigeria as the country is the world's largest producer of the commodity. The crop is produced in 24 of the country's 36 states.

Economic growth

Economic growth is the increase in the inflation-adjusted market value of the goods and services produced by an economy over time. It is conventionally measured as the percent rate of increase in real gross domestic product, or real GDP.

1.9 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows. Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (background of the study), statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research questions, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope of the study etc. Chapter two being the review of the related literature presents the theoretical framework, conceptual framework and other areas concerning the subject matter.     Chapter three is a research methodology covers deals on the research design and methods adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.  Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study.

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