ANALYSIS OF THE COMPETITIVENESS OF MONO-CROP AND MIXED CROP ENTERPRISES IN FARMING SYSTEM OF SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper makes a comparative assessment of the competitiveness of mono-cropping and mixed cropping enterprises in Niger State, North central Nigeria during the 2009 cropping season considering available resources. Linear Programming model was used for optimizing gross margins. Results indicated that resources were not optimally allocated and after optimization, gross margins could be increased. Cereal-legume cropping patterns showed dominance in both the existing and optimum plans. As a result of inter variation in capital resource endowment and management, the gross margins were higher in the borrowed capital (N87,322.89/ha) as compared to the limited capital situation (N5I,211.54/ha). The study recommends strong financial support, farm advisory services and adequate supply of modern inputs at fairly competitive prices to the small holder farmers.