Profitability and Efficiency of Bambara Groundnut Production in Nigeria: A Case Study

Abstract

Research Background: Although it is a highly nutritious and climate resistant crop, bambara groundnut is described as a neglected and under-utilized crop in most countries including Nigeria where its production is in the hands of some smallholder farmers. Empirical facts on the profitability as well as the technical efficiency of bambara groundnut production in Kogi state, Nigeria, where it serves as an important source of food and income, are unknown. These facts, when known, can draw the attention of stakeholders to intervention areas. Purpose of the article: The research was undertaken to provide factual data through empirical analyses on the cost, returns and technical efficiency of smallholder bambara groundnut farmers in the area, in to order elicit interest in the neglected crop. Such attention may aid in the expansion of the crop's production through interventions in identified areas of concern. Methods: A five-stage sampling technique was employed in the random selection of 120 farmers for questionnaire administration in order to obtain the requisite data. Data on cost and returns were subjected to Gross Margin and Net Return on Investment analyses while the Cobb-Douglas Stochastic Frontier Production Function was employed in analysing technical efficiency. Findings and value added: Producers of bambara groundnut in the area are small scale farmers who are old, poorly educated and have large families. Cost and returns analysis showed that labour had the highest percentage of Total Variable Cost (78.00%). The venture, with a gross margin of -11,601.87 Nigerian Naira (-60.31 USD) and Net Returns on Investment of 0.79, is unprofitable. Experience and education affect the moderately high technical efficiency level which on the average is 71.2%. Bambara groundnut production in the area can be made profitable through labour cost reduction and improvement in average efficiency level by 28.8%. The provision of machinery to help reduce labour cost, in addition to special policy attention that will enhance improvements in education and extension services will reduce inefficiency and improve profitability.

The Exploitation of Orphan Legumes for Food, Income, and Nutrition Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…Recently, a total of USD 6 to 13 billion of yearly income to the global economy was predicted for BG using the mean potential areas with a modesty yield of 0.85 t/ha for one optimal season (June–September) with a modest price of 143 USD/T ( Mayes et al, 2019 ; Hussin et al, 2020 ; Jahanshiri et al, 2022 ). Currently, in Nigeria, 50 kg of BG sells for N30,000 or USD 72.30, with a considerable profit from the sales of processed products ( Onuche et al, 2020 ). Similar information has been reported from Mali ( Majola et al, 2021 ).…”

Enzymatic Processing of Pigeon Pea Seed Increased Their Techno-Functional Properties

“…One major finding on Bambara groundnut in Nigeria is by Onuche et al [13] who referred to it as "special" legume as it can adapt to high temperature and resistant to drought and suitable also for marginal soils where other leguminous crops are unlikely to thrive as it requires little resource from the soil in general. It is regarded also as special because it is not prone to total harvest failure even in low and uncertain rainfall regions.…”

Medicinal Uses, Nutraceutical Potentials and Traditional Farm Production of Bambara Beans and Pigeon Pea

“…Bambara groundnut is cultivated in Botswana, Togo, Burkina Faso, Cameroun, DR Congo, Mali, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Niger, Chad, and Cote d'ivoire [22]. Nigeria is the center of origin of BGN but its production falls behind cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), peanut (Arachis hypogea) and soybean (Glycine max) since it is majorly grown in low quantities by subsistence farmers [23]. Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno and Taraba are the major producers of BGN in Nigeria [22].…”

“…Adamawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno and Taraba are the major producers of BGN in Nigeria [22]. Smallholder farmers in Kogi state of the North central have also been reported to grow BGN as a cash crop [23]. BGN is propagated with seeds.…”

“…In Ghana, Anchirinah et al, [25] reported that planting on flat beds and mounds or ridges were predominant in the Nadowli and Wa district, respectively. One grain is planted per hole on a row with plant spacing usually at farmer's discretion [23]. Farm sizes used for cultivation of BGN ranges between 0.25-1.0 hectare in the North east and about 0.5 hectare in the north central part of Nigeria under mixed cropping system [23,22].…”