Optimizing resource utilization and productivity in cassava farming: A case study of Ogun State, Nigeria

This study aimed to improve resource utilization and productivity among cassava farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 90 cassava farmers were selected from diverse agricultural zones in Ogun State, chosen for its significant cassava production and varied agroecological conditions to ensure a representative sample. Data collection involved structured questionnaires to gather socio-economic characteristics, farming practices, input usage, challenges, and productivity outcomes related to cassava cultivation. Descriptive statistics analyzed farmers’ profiles, including age, education, farm size, and resource access. Inferential statistics like linear regression and probit models examined relationships between these factors and cassava output. Results highlighted farm size, labor input, and access to planting materials as positively influencing cassava yield, whereas fertilizer use showed a negative impact, suggesting inefficiencies in its application. Key challenges identified include limited financial services, inadequate farming resources, and technical knowledge gaps, hindering optimal input utilization and productivity. Recommendations include initiatives to improve access to agricultural credit, expand extension services, and implement educational programs aimed at promoting modern farming techniques. By adopting these measures, policymakers and stakeholders can support the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, thereby fostering increased cassava yields and overall agricultural development in the region.