Economic Evaluation of Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) Production Among Women Farmers in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

This study examines the economic performance of fluted pumpkin production among women farmers in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigates their socioeconomic characteristics, the profitability of the enterprise, the external factors influencing income levels, and the challenges encountered in production. A multistage sampling procedure was employed, and data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to 150 women engaged in fluted pumpkin farming. Analytical techniques such as descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis, least squares regression, and a three-point Likert scale were applied. Findings indicate that the women farmers had an average age of 45 years, household size of 11 persons, farm size of 1.3 hectares, 13 years of farming experience, and an average monthly income of ₦31,500. The net farm income was estimated at ₦42,870, while the return on investment (ROI) stood at 1.66, implying that every ₦1 invested generated a profit of ₦1.66. Key socioeconomic factors influencing profitability included age, education level, farm size, farming experience, source of labor, and monthly income. Major production challenges reported were high labor costs, poor storage facilities, limited access to credit, land acquisition difficulties, high seed costs, low yields, and the prevalence of pests and diseases. The study recommends that government and financial institutions should design flexible loan schemes tailored for women farmers to enable them expand production and cover input costs. And also, there should be provision of quality seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals at subsidized rates would reduce production costs and enhance yields.