Assessment of Factors Associated with Low Yield of Cashew among Farmers in Growing Areas of Nigeria

The study assessed the factors affecting low yield of cashew among farmers in Kwara and Edo States between March and April, 2014. It examined the socio-economic characteristics, factors contributing to cashew low yield, sources of cashew planting materials and sources of information on cashew cultivation among farmers in the study areas. Data collection was through structured questionnaire administered on 160 respondents selected through multistage sampling procedure. Descriptive statistics and chi-square were used in data analysis. Results showed that majority of the farmers were ageing with a mean age of 52 years and 60% of them had more than 16 years of cashew farming experience. Most (69%) cashew farms were less than 15 years indicating that the cashew trees were of average age and are still in their productive years. The mean yield of respondents was 10 bags using 80kg bag which was low because this number is not economical considering other inputs of production. Majority of respondents obtained cashew planting materials from fellow farmers and their own farms and got information on cashew cultivation from fellow farmers. Chi-square results revealed that there was significant relationship (p<0.05) between insect pest attack, poor cashew price, lack of improved variety, farm abandonment, high cost of farm labour, inadequate farm maintenance, no government support and yield of cashew. Efforts should be made by stakeholders in the cashew value chain to address relevant factors affecting low yield through a holistic government intervention programme such as Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).This will develop a sustainable marketing strategy that will guarantee good prices of cashew nuts.