Journals Information
Universal Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 12(3), pp. 445 - 454
DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2024.120301
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Retrospective Assessment of Changes in Yield Quantity of Selected Arable Crops in the North-East Cross River State, Nigeria
Okang A. O. 1, Egbai O. O. 1,*, Uquetan U. I. 1, Ochiche C. A. 2, Uttah C. E. 1, Agbochom E. E. 3, Diminyi C. A. 4, Eteng E. O. 2, Onuoha E. 1, Ajom S. K. 5, Brian E. Usibe 6, Uchegbue H. O. 7
1 Department of Environmental Resource Management, University of Calabar, Nigeria
2 Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Calabar, Nigeria
3 Geography Unit, School of Art and Science, University of The Gambia, Nigeria
4 Department of Tourism, University of Calabar, Nigeria
5 Department of Urban and Regional Planning University Calabar, Nigeria
6 Department of Physics, University of Calabar, Nigeria
7 Department of Educational Foundation, University of Calabar, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Assessment of changes in yield quantity of selected arable crops was carried out between January and May 2023. The study assessed changes in the yields of arable crops and what led to the changes. The ultimate purpose is to enhance food security in the region. Survey research design was adopted for the study. A total of four hundred copies of the questionnaires were administered to a sampled population; interviews and focused group discussions were also employed to elicit information from the affected population. Three hundred and eighty-eight copies of questionnaires were retrieved. Data were subjected to statistical analysis and hypothesis tested with linear regression and correlation coefficient. Result showed that r = 0.871, 0.766. 0.919 and 0.838 for maize, rice, cassava and yam respectively. The rate of change is indicated by regression slope B = 11.74, 9.28, 230.9 and 185.4 for maize, rice, cassava and yam at p<0.05. Results of interviews and focused group discussion revealed that yield quantity of arable crops was poor at some points, but latter increased progressively due to farmers鈥� awareness of production constrains and the need to increase production in order to address their socioeconomic challenges. For instance, maize production increased from 36.00 metric tonnes in 1986 to 413.20 metric tonnes in 2015 representing 1,047% increase. Rice yield recorded an increase of 0.08 in 1986 to 370.90 metric tonnes in 2015 representing 1,047% increase. Similarly, cassava production trend progressively moved from 403.80 metric tonnes in 1986 to 7812.58 in 2015 representing 1,835% increase. While yam production increased from 594.40 metric tons in 1986 to 7112 metric tonnes in 2015 indicating 1,097% increase. It shows that there were positive changes in yield quantity of arable crops in the north-east zone of Cross River State. These results prove that awareness of the need to increase production can elicit human positive response to adverse production conditions, guarantee sustainable food production and enhance socio economic livelihood of the people.
KEYWORDS
Retrospective Assessment, Yield Quantity, Arable Crops, Food Production, Food Security, Farmer
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Okang A. O. , Egbai O. O. , Uquetan U. I. , Ochiche C. A. , Uttah C. E. , Agbochom E. E. , Diminyi C. A. , Eteng E. O. , Onuoha E. , Ajom S. K. , Brian E. Usibe , Uchegbue H. O. , "Retrospective Assessment of Changes in Yield Quantity of Selected Arable Crops in the North-East Cross River State, Nigeria," Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 445 - 454, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2024.120301.
(b). APA Format:
Okang A. O. , Egbai O. O. , Uquetan U. I. , Ochiche C. A. , Uttah C. E. , Agbochom E. E. , Diminyi C. A. , Eteng E. O. , Onuoha E. , Ajom S. K. , Brian E. Usibe , Uchegbue H. O. (2024). Retrospective Assessment of Changes in Yield Quantity of Selected Arable Crops in the North-East Cross River State, Nigeria. Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, 12(3), 445 - 454. DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2024.120301.