Constraints to Vegetable Production among Women in Enugu North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State

Abstract

The study was carried out to ascertain constraints to vegetable production in Enugu Agricultural zone of Enugu State. A total of seventy one respondents were randomly selected for the study. A structured interview schedule was used to enlist information from the respondents. Statistical tools such as factor analysis and percentage were used to analyze the data obtained. The findings of the study were: Majority (88.7%)  grew fruited pumpkin (Telferia occidentalis). Majority (92.9%) used communal land and family labour (95.7%) to produce their vegetables. The major agronomic practices were direct sowing of seed (57.7%), mixed cropping (56.3%), organic manure (67.6%), staking (8.5%), broadcasting method of manuring (66%) and cutting with knife (method of harvesting) (91.5%). The mean annual income at main season was N6099.09 while that of off-season was N4387.8. Financial and agronomic/incentives problems were major constraints associated with vegetable production in the study area. It becomes important to transfer innovations on agronomic/management practices of vegetable to the area. This will boost output generally and increase income substantially thereby increasing their standard/level of living