Jornal Global de Biologia, Agricultura e Ciências da Saúde

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EMPIRICAL REVIEW OF PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF BANANA (Musa Sapientum L) AND PLANTAIN (Musa Paradisiaca L) PRODUCTION ENTERPRISES

Kainga Prince Ebiowei

The present study examined the existing cropping systems and identified problems and prospects of banana and plantain production enterprises. Data were collected from a sample size of 180 farm households by means of well structured and pre-tested questionnaire, personal observation and focus group discussion. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and Likert scale rating technique. The findings showed that mixed cropping system accounted for 65% of the farmers. Major crop mixtures were banana/yam/ vegetable, banana/cassava/ vegetable; plantain/cassava/ vegetable; plantain/ sugarcane/ vegetable among others. Family and hired labour accounted for 56.25% and 43.75% respectively. Major problems of banana and plantain production enterprises among others were disease, maggot/nematode attack; inadequate capital; high cost of input; paddling/trecking long distances to/from farms and effect of climate change. It was recommended that the prospects of banana and plantain production enterprises could be enhanced by the provision of credit/ loan, farm inputs, farm equipment, good rural roads, and improved varieties of suckers as well as ensuring improved farming systems among others by Government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and institutions alike through genuine political will.