Abstract

This study set out to analyze the scarce resource allocation in the special crop programme between farmers who participated in this programme and who did not. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, Z-test and regression analysis. The results of the study showed that most of the participant soybean farmers and non participant farmers were within the age bracket of 31 to 40 years. Most of the respondents were males for both soybeans. A significant difference in output was found between participant and non-participant farmers. The per hectare average cost of production for soybean participant farmers was N33,624. The gross margins per hectare N 26,734 soybean were found to be profitable. The results of the multiple regression analysis showed that 83 and 67% of the variations in soybean yield were explained by the combined effect of herbicide, fertilizer, seed and labor for participant and non-participant farmers respectively. Soybean farmers (both participants and non participants) were producing in stage two, the rational stage of production. The ratios of Marginal Value Product (MVP) to marginal factor cost (MFC) were greater than unity, hence, they were economically inefficient in resource use. The major problems encountered by the farmers were inadequate storage facilities and inadequate quantity of fertilizer. The study concluded that participant and non-participant farmers in the special crop programme were inefficient in resource use. The study recommended that production inputs such as fertilizer and herbicide should be provided through institutional sources at the required time and quantity and they should be made affordable for the end users.

Key words: Comparative, productivity, crop, programme, Nigeria, participant, non-participant.