RURAL CREDIT ACCESS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON COCOYAM PRODUCTIVITY IN NIGERIA'S SMALLHOLDER SECTOR

This study analyzed the contribution of credit facilities to small-scale cocoyam (Xanthosomasagittifolium (I) Schott) production in IgalamelaOdolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. A multiple-stage sampling technique was employed for the study. A total number of one hundred and twenty (120) were selected for this study. Data collected were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, Gross margin and return per naira invested analysis as well as profitability indices. The finding of the research show that the mean age is (43.4) which show they are in their productive age, (77.5%) were male and majority (50.8%) has secondary education and the cocoyam farmer has a mean of (8.7years) of farming experience in cocoyam production. The cost and return analysis and profitability indices were pointer indicating that cocoyam is profitable (for every one naira invested in cocoyam production, (29) kobo we be return indicating moderate profitability) with a Gross margin (N 1,010,348 per farmer). The result of multiple regression analysis identifies seed cost and fertilizer cost to be positively significant at (1%) respectively while cost of herbicide is negatively significant at (1%), Ridges which is negatively significant at (5%) as well cost of storage negatively significant at (10%). And the table above shows a strong modern fit coefficient of multiple determination (R2) of (96.82%), adjusted (R2) of (96.43%). however, significant constraints include high cost of mechanization, poor road networks, and limited access to extension services. Recommendations includes, Stakeholders and Government intervention to provide input such as herbicides to farmers to aid production of cocoyam and to provide a conducive storage environment for the produce for all ward marketing