Project Abstract

Abstract
This research project focuses on assessing the economic efficiency of resource utilization among urban waterleaf farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Waterleaf farming is a significant agricultural activity in the region, providing livelihoods for many urban farmers. However, there is a gap in understanding the economic efficiency of resource use within this specific agricultural sector. The study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the input-output relationship, resource allocation patterns, and factors influencing economic efficiency among urban waterleaf farmers. The research methodology involves a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. A structured questionnaire will be administered to a sample of waterleaf farmers in urban areas of Akwa Ibom State to gather data on input usage, output levels, production costs, and other relevant variables. Statistical tools such as production functions and efficiency analysis models will be employed to analyze the data and assess the economic efficiency of resource utilization. The study will also investigate the socio-economic characteristics of waterleaf farmers, including factors such as age, education level, farming experience, and access to resources. These variables will be examined to identify their influence on the economic efficiency of waterleaf farming practices. Additionally, the study will explore the market dynamics of waterleaf production, including price fluctuations, market access, and marketing strategies employed by farmers. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the existing literature on agricultural economics and resource management in Nigeria. By understanding the economic efficiency of resource use among urban waterleaf farmers, policymakers and agricultural stakeholders can design interventions and support programs to enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector. The study will also provide insights for farmers to optimize their resource allocation decisions and improve their overall economic performance. Overall, this research project seeks to shed light on the economic dynamics of waterleaf farming in urban areas of Akwa Ibom State and provide valuable recommendations for improving the economic efficiency of resource use in this important agricultural sector.

Project Overview

The study estimated the efficiency of resource use among urban waterleaf farmers in AkwaIbom State using a sample of 60 respondents that were randomly selected (20) from threeurban centers in the state. Interview schedules and structured questionnaires wereadministered to elicit information from the respondents. Data were analyzed usingdescriptive statistics, multiple regression and gross margin. The results showed that, most(85%) farmers were within the economically active age bracket (21-50yrs). All the farmerswere female with a mean house hold size of eight. Majority (90%) of the farmers were literatewith a mean farming experience of 8.5 years.

The average farm size was 0.065ha, andwaterleaf was planted as a sole crop to obtain high output. The multiple regression analysisshowed that educational level, household size, farming experience, quantity of manure,labour and farm size positively and significantly influenced the output of waterleaf in thestudy area. The efficiency ratios of farm size (28.68), manure (42.11) and labour (0.91),showed that waterleaf farmers were inefficient in the use of these resources. Land resourceand manure were underutilized, while labour was over- utilized. Gross margin analysisshowed that farmers made profit (Gross margin = N 287,252.52 per hectare). Lack of accessto credit facilities was the farmer’s major constraints. It is therefore recommended that creditfacilities should be provided to the urban farmers, and extension agent should take advantage of the literate farmers to disseminate research information

The average farm size was 0.065ha, andwaterleaf was planted as a sole crop to obtain high output. The multiple regression analysisshowed that educational level, household size, farming experience, quantity of manure,labour and farm size positively and significantly influenced the output of waterleaf in thestudy area. The efficiency ratios of farm size (28.68), manure (42.11) and labour (0.91),showed that waterleaf farmers were inefficient in the use of these resources. Land resourceand manure were underutilized, while labour was over- utilized. Gross margin analysisshowed that farmers made profit (Gross margin = N 287,252.52 per hectare). Lack of accessto credit facilities was the farmer’s major constraints. It is therefore recommended that creditfacilities should be provided to the urban farmers, and extension agent should take advantage
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