This study aimed at conducting an economic analysis of masakwa
production in Yola, Adamawa state. One hundred and seventeen (117)
farmers were sampled in 2002/03, 2003/04 and 2004/05 seasons. All
were randomly selected from 1123 farmers of the Adamawa ADP records.
The study indicated that a total of 313 hectares of land were cultivated in
Yola masakwa area, giving an average of 3 hectares per farmer. The
results of the study also indicated that an average gross margin per
hectare of N25, 403 were obtained. The study also revealed that an
average of net farm income per hectare of N24870 was obtained. The ztest
was statistically significant at 1% level of probability. It can be inferred
that the relative profitability of masakwa production ensured the
sustainability of the enterprise. The result of the study showed that labour
and herbicides were under utilized, while seeds and organic manure were
over utilized. The study finally recommended that: (i) Laddo dam
constructed by the Cameroon Republic on the river Benue should release
water timely. The study recommends a convenant law between the
Cameroon Republic and Federal government of Nigeria, (ii) Herbicides
should be made available at affordable prices to farmers, so that they can
clear weeds on time during production. The study recommends an
extension agent at masakwa farms for herbicides handling and usage;
since it was under utilized (iii) Research institutes e.g. IAR/ABU and Lake
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Chad Research Institute (LCRI) should be funded so as to develop
tolerable varieties to excessive heat of the area, presently the 3 local
cultivars have not been improved scientifically; (iv) Financial institution
should provide funds to farmers at a low interest rate to enable them
improve labour and other farm inputs on their farms, and (v) Government
should provide access roads and transport facilities such as pick-up vans,
long trucks and canoes to ease their marketing and transport problems.
The study concluded that masakwa production is profitable and therefore
calls for other farmers especially the large-scale farmers and NGO’s to
invest in masakwa, so as to ease the problems of food and livestock feed
shortages in Adamawa State.