Production Activities and Challenges Encountering By Sweet Potato Farmers in Kwara and Osun States

Abstract:

Production of agricultural crops cannot be over emphasized for food security, poverty eradication and sustainability of life and its existence. Therefore, agriculture is the bedrock towards economic growth and rural development. This study examined production activities of sweet potato in Kwara and Osun States It also identified the challenges faced by the sweet potato farmers in the study area. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 496 sweet potato farmers. An interview guide was used through structured questionnaire to obtain primary data which were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency table, percentage and mean). The study revealed that majority practiced self labour (42%) in Kwara State while family labour (47%) was majorly practiced in Osun State, with the mean labour used of 3.84 and 3.23 in Kwara and Osun States respectively. Majority inherited land acquired from their parents, occupying less than six hectares of land for production of sweet potato. It was also shown that land conflict, inadequate vine, insect infestation, spoilage and access to credit were the major challenges facing farmers during production of sweet potato. The study concludes that sweet potato farmers encountering a lot of challenges which causes reduction in production of sweet potato in the study areas. It is therefore recommended that, settlement of land conflict issues should not be delayed, particularly when it comes to the use of agricultural purposes. Then the research institute(s) saddled with the responsibilities of storage and preservation of agricultural produce should come-up with methods of preserving this crop to extend it shelf-life and reduce postharvest loss of this vital crop.