Abstract:
In Nigerian Savanna, mixed cropping is a common practice among the farmers, particularly, the
Northern part of Nigeria is known to be characterized by mixture of cereals, leguminous grains
and fibre. These combinations are considered as technology by the peasant farmers in an attempt
to increase food production. But available studies or records on production efficiencies by the
farmers are unavailable and even if they are available, such studies are limited and restrictive,
hence, creating a research gap. The research examines the comparative study of efficiencies of
cowpea-maize and groundnut-millet intercropping systems in North Central Zone, Nigeria. The
specific objectives of the study include; determining the socio-economic characteristics of the
farmers, determining the input output relationship in cowpea-maize and groundnut-millet
production among the farmers, assessing the technical efficiencies of cowpea-maize and
groundnut-millet production among farmers and their determinants, estimating cost and returns
in both intercrop systems and to identify the production constraints of cowpea-maize and
groundnut-millet intercropping systems in the research area and make recommendations from the
findings. Primary data were collected from 360 farmers who cultivate crop in mixtures. Analysis
of data collected was done using both descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean
and inferential statistics like correlation and gross margins analysis. Correlation analysis
indicated that there is a positive and significant relationship that exists between inputs and
output. The Gross Margin showed that both intercrop systems are viable because the gross
margin is positive in the two intercropping systems. Major constraints identified include
inadequate capital, inadequate supply of inputs, low product price, lack of credit facilities,
amongst others. The research concluded by advocating among other measures that farmers
should be encouraged to grow crops in mixtures, by increasing the use of variable inputs at
optimal level to overcome the shortfall in technical, allocative and economic efficiencies. |
