Profitability of small-scale maize production in Niger state of Nigeria

This study investigates the profitability of small scale maize production in Niger state of Nigeria using farm budgeting technique. The results showed that 67 percent of the farmers were male, 76 percent were within the economically active age brackets, while 68 percent had non-formal education. The cost and return analysis indicated that maize production was profitable with an average net farm income of N48, 109.00 per ha, and a gross ratio of 0.39; a production efficiency index (2.50) per farmer further adjudged the profitability of the enterprise, that is, the returns cover the cost of production almost three times. As maize is one of the most important staple foods of great socio-economic value in the study area, an improvement in the understanding of the level of profitability can greatly aid policy makers in enhancing policies that will promote profitability in production of the crop. In addition, improved access to farmlands, acquisition of formal education, improving rural financial markets and strengthening the existing extension services were recommended to improve profitability in maize production in the area.