Effects of Insect Pest Management on Profitability of Eggplant Production in Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

Open Access

Abstract

This study examines the profitability of eggplant under insect pest management in Owo local government area, Ondo State. Data used for the study was obtained using structured questionnaire administered to 80 randomly selected eggplant farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistics and budgetary analysis was used to estimate socio economic characteristics and the profitability of the respondents. Results showed that 72% of the farmers were male, and the average age of between 31~50 years constitute 61%, with little or no formal education and 60% having family size of 4 children and above. The study also revealed that majority of the farmers intercropped eggplant with yam and cocoyam, it was also discovered that 92% of the farmers indicated that there is pest infestation and 67.5% have experience above 5 years. The budgetary analysis showed a positive gross margin indicating eggplant production is profitable in the two categories of producers, though those with pesticides recorded higher yield vis-à-vis return on investment with a average gross margin of N12, 266/ ha and N5,125/ ha respectively in the study area.