Determinants of labour productivity on small-holder cocoyam farms in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study used the log linear model derived from the Cobb-Douglas functional form for explaining labour productivity of small holder cocoyam farmers in Anambra State. The study data were collected through a multi-stage random sampling technique from 120 farmers using the cost-route approach in 2005. The study found fertilizer, cocoyam setts, capital and farmer experience to be positively and significantly related to labour productivity at 5% level. Farm size and household size had a negative relationship with labour productivity and significant at 5% level. The coefficients for manure and education were negative but not significant. The results calls for policies aimed at increasing planting materials, fertilizer, capital inputs, encouraging experienced farmers to remain in production, birth control measures and access to productive resources to small scale cocoyam enterprises.