Justina Oluyemisi Lawal , Eghosa Osas Uwagboe
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Journal : International Journal Of Forest, Animal And Fisheries Research(IJFAF)
The study assessed the cost effectiveness of the various intercrops on cashew plantations in Oyo State, Nigeria considering the cost of production, revenue accruable to the farmers at the end of the production season. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was used to select respondents for the study. Two Local Government Areas and 130 cashew farmers were randomly selected. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results reveal that 84.62% were males, 7.69% were graduates of university while 19.23% had primary education. Most (88%) of the respondents were married, the mean years of cashew farming was 23±8.49; age of farmers 48±12.57; household size 5±2.00 persons and farm size2±1.14 hectares. The total revenue accruable to the farmer is N109, 237±N18, 390 ($346.78) from intercropping on cashew plantation while the estimated expenditure on the plantation per season was estimated at N47, 084 ±N5, 134($150.11). The revenue accruable from the different intercrops such as maize is N95, 666.67±N34, 826.56($303.70), cowpea N13, 573.33±N11, 828.19($43.08); cassava and yam N50, 066.67±N18, 167.34($158.94) and from vegetables intercrop N5,742.86±N4, 007.02($18.23). The regression results revealed that maize is the most cost effective intercrop (p<0.01) on cashew plantations in Oyo state, southwest Nigeria during early stages from which high profit can accrue to the farmer. Farmers should be encouraged to intercrop with maize.