Analysis of Tomato production in some selected local government areas of Kano State, Nigeria

This study analysed tomato production in some selected Local Government Areas of Kano State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic characteristics of tomato farmers; assess tomato value addition by farmers and marketing channels; determine the profitability of tomato production; and identify the constraints associated with tomato production in the study area. The study adopted multistage sampling technique to collect primary data from 101 respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and gross margin analysis. The findings of the study reveal that tomato production is a male-dominated activity, who are mostly married (85.5%), having an average household size of 9 persons. Similarly, the study revealed that all the respondents were small-scale farmers cultivating below 5 ha of land with a mean farming experience of about 15 years. Findings of the study revealed that the majority of produce are sold at the farmgate and local markets, mostly in fresh forms. The gross margin of the venture was ₦302832, while the Net farm income and return on investment were ₦245916 and 114.5% respectively. This implies that tomato production is a profitable venture in the study area. Based on the result, pest and diseases, lack of modern production and processing facilities, inadequate capital, inadequate information on production and marketing, price fluctuation, and lack of government support were ranked topmost among the respondents’ challenges. The study recommends among others the need for farmers to be encouraged to form strong cooperative societies through which they can access resources necessary for their activities.