AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

ECONOMICS OF PEPPER (Capsicum species) PRODUCTION IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Ubokudom Etim Okon

Abstract
Pepper holds significant economic, nutritional, and medicinal value in Nigeria, contributing to food security, income generation, and export earnings. Despite its importance, pepper production in southern Nigeria, particularly in Akwa Ibom State, faces challenges such as low productivity, price fluctuations, and input constraints. This study examines the economics of pepper production in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Using primary data collected from 90 pepper farmers through structured questionnaires. The results showed that pepper farming is predominantly undertaken by females (53.3%), married (33.6%) with a mean age of about 51 years. About 79% of the respondents were nonmembers of social organization, the majority (86.7%) had primary education with a mean household size and a mean farming experience of 5 persons and 9.5 years, respectively. About 46% used hired labour with a mean farm size of 0.7 ha. The total cost of production was N177,557.11, with a total revenue of N811,599.75, indicating high profitability. The multiple regression analysis showed that cost of seedlings had a positive and significant (p<0.01) influence on the profitability of pepper, while cost of organic manure (p<0.01) and cost of inorganic fertilizer (P<0.05) all had negative and significant influence. Farmers adjudged that high cost and scarcity of quality seeds, pests and diseases, high cost of labour and irrigation facilities, theft, lack of storage facilities, and lack of market information were major constraint to pepper production in the study area. It is recommended that enhancing access to high-quality seeds, bolstering pest management strategies, fortifying market connections, and investing in infrastructure and farmer cooperatives are crucial steps to mitigate production challenges and bolster resilience