ASSESSMENT OF THE PROFITABILITY, CONSTRAINTS AND DRIVERS OF PRODUCTIVITY AMONG SMALLHOLDER MAIZE FARMERS IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study evaluated the profitability, constraints, and drivers of productivity among smallholder maize farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria, using a cross-sectional survey of 300 farmers selected through multi-stage sampling. The objectives were to assess socio-economic characteristics, evaluate profitability, analyze productivity determinants, and rank constraints. Descriptive statistics, Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), Likert scale ranking, t-test statistics and z-test statistics were employed. Results revealed a youthful farming population (mean age: 41 years), with 75% male and 55% having secondary or tertiary education, but limited access to credit (46.33%) and extension services (62.67%). Maize farming was profitable, with a net farm income of ₦199,122, a benefit-cost ratio of 1.47, and a t-test (t = 21.91, p < 0.01) rejecting the null hypothesis of non-profitability. SFA showed that seeds (β = 0.3829, p < 0.01), farm size (β = 0.1684, p < 0.01), labour (β = 0.1134, p < 0.01), fertilizer (β = 0.0069, p < 0.01), and agrochemicals (β = 0.0156, p < 0.05) significantly influenced productivity, while education, extension contact, and experience reduced inefficiency, rejecting null hypotheses on socio-economic and production impacts. Key constraints included lack of government support (mean = 4.48) and limited credit access (mean = 4.29). The study recommends enhancing credit access, extension services, and input subsidies to improve profitability and productivity. These findings support Nigeria’s agricultural transformation goals by highlighting strategies to address constraints and leverage productivity drivers for sustainable maize farming and food security.