ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF YAM PRODUCTION IN SOTHERN TARABA, TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

This study analyzed theeconomic analysisof yamproduction in southern Taraba, Taraba State, Nigeria.Specific objectives were todeterminethe cost and return of yam production, analyze factors influencing profitability of yam productionand identifyconstraints faced by yam farmers in the study area. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 170 yam farmers across the study areaand thedatawascollected using structured questionnaires. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and a multiple regression model. Results showed that yam production is highly profitable, with an average gross margin of ₦2,161,138.57 per farmer, driven by both market sales(N241,5456.79) and home consumption (N120,001.24).Factorsinfluencing profitabilityofyam production showsthatland, yam sett,fertilizer, agrochemicals, labor,and staking materials weresignificant at 1%leveland had a positiveinfluence on the output. However, major production constraints identified were inadequate capital ranked 1st with a mean of 4.49, high labor costs (4.12), poor accesstoroads (4.02), lack of storage facilities (3.90), and high costof yam setts (3.78). The study concludedthat while yam production presents a viable income source,its profitability could be enhanced through improved access to land, subsidized inputs, mechanization, and infrastructure development. It was recommended that Secure and equitable access to arable land should be promoted through improved land tenure systems and land development initiatives.