DRY SEASON FLUTED PUMPKIN PRODUCTION; THE SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINING FACTORS IN ANAMBRA STATE

There has been a deficit in supply of fluted pumpkin due to farmers ‘dependence on rain-fed agriculture and climate change among other factors. The study examined the socioeconomic determinants of dry season fluted pumpkin production. Using a multistage sampling technique, data were collected from 108 small scale farmers. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on farmers’ characteristics, and yield. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Majority ((55.24%)) of the farmers were male with mean age (48.1 years). Most (84.3%) were married with mean household size of 5 persons. Marital status (p <0. 1), Household size (p <0. 1), frequency of extension visitation (p <0.001), education (p <0. 1), cooperative membership (p <0.001) and farm size (p <0.001) were significant socioeconomic characteristics that influenced yield. Active participation in social groups, and increased access to extension services were recommended.