Gross Margin Analysis of Plantain Production in Uyo Agricultural Zone, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT The study analysed the gross margin of plantain farmers in the Uyo Agricultural Zone, Akwa Ibom State. Specifically, this study examined the socio-economic characteristics of plantain farmers in the Uyo Agricultural zone, estimated the costs and returns of plantain production, determined the factors influencing gross margin of plantain farmers in the study area and assessed the constraints to plantain production in the study area. A multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select respondents for the interview. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, namely: mean, frequency count, percentages, a four-point Likert-type rating scale and a multiple regression analysis. The findings showed that the majority (65.45%) of the respondents were male and married (64.55%), with a mean age of 61 years and a mean level of education of 11 years. Also, 67.27% of the respondents got their farmland through inheritance. The mean household size and farming experience were 5 persons and 14 years, respectively. The mean household income was N58,000, and 75.55% of the plantain farmers did not have access to extension services. The total variable cost and total revenue from plantain production were N213,760 and N607,500 per annum, respectively. The average gross margin was N393,740, while the benefit-cost ratio was 2.84. The regression results showed that educational level (p