Project Abstract

Abstract
Ornamental plants play a significant role in the aesthetic beautification of urban environments. In Jos metropolis, Nigeria, the production of ornamental plants is an important economic activity, contributing to the local economy and providing livelihoods for many individuals. However, there is a need to improve resource productivity in ornamental plants production to ensure sustainability and efficiency in the industry. This research project aims to investigate resource productivity in ornamental plants production in Jos metropolis, Nigeria. The study will focus on identifying the current practices and resource utilization patterns in ornamental plants production, as well as the challenges faced by producers in optimizing resource use. By analyzing resource inputs such as water, fertilizers, pesticides, and energy, the research aims to assess the efficiency of resource utilization in ornamental plants production. The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, interviews, and field observations to gather data from ornamental plants producers in Jos metropolis. Quantitative data on resource inputs and outputs will be collected to calculate resource productivity indicators such as water use efficiency, fertilizer use efficiency, and energy use efficiency. Qualitative data from interviews with producers will provide insights into the challenges and constraints faced in improving resource productivity in ornamental plants production. The findings of this research will contribute to the understanding of resource productivity in ornamental plants production in Jos metropolis and provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders. By identifying opportunities for improving resource efficiency and sustainability in ornamental plants production, the research aims to support the development of strategies and interventions to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the industry. Overall, this research project addresses an important gap in the literature on resource productivity in ornamental plants production in Nigeria. By investigating current practices, challenges, and opportunities for improving resource utilization in the industry, the research aims to contribute to the sustainable development of ornamental plants production in Jos metropolis and beyond.

Project Overview

This study was undertaken to analyze resource productivity in
ornamental plants production within Jos metropolis of Nigeria. The
study covered Jos North and Jos South local government areas. The
specific objectives include: identifying the effect of socio-economic
factors on resource productivity, determining costs and returns, and
resource productivity in ornamental plants production.
An extensive literature review was carried out to provide an indepth
knowledge of the study. The cluster sampling procedure was
used because the nurseries are located in clusters. Data was collected
from the nursery owners. Six respondents from each cluster and five
clusters from each local government area were selected using the
simple random sampling method at each sampling stage. Each of the
two local government areas was administered the 30 questionnaires
making a total of 60 respondents.

Results revealed that 60% of respondents were aged between 41
– 50, while 80% had some years of tertiary education. Also 60% of the
respondents’ nurseries were less than a quarter of an acre. About 40%
had horticulture as their primary occupation, while 40% and 20% had
business and civil service respectively as their primary occupation.
The ornamental plants producers made a net farm income of
N351,196 per annum and a naira invested gave returns of N1.10.
The regression analysis gave positive coefficients for labour,
cuttings, pesticides, water, top soil and polythenes which were
significant (P<0.05). However, manure, fuel transportation and annual
rent had negative coefficient. Also the regression coefficient of socio
economic variables such as education, age, nursery size were positive
and significant. Household size had a positive coefficient but was
insignificant (P<0.05). Ornamental production experience had a
negative coefficient and was insignificant

Results revealed that 60% of respondents were aged between 41
– 50, while 80% had some years of tertiary education. Also 60% of the
respondents’ nurseries were less than a quarter of an acre. About 40%
had horticulture as their primary occupation, while 40% and 20% had
business and civil service respectively as their primary occupation.
The ornamental plants producers made a net farm income of
N351,196 per annum and a naira invested gave returns of N1.10.
The regression analysis gave positive coefficients for labour,
cuttings, pesticides, water, top soil and polythenes which were
significant (P<0.05). However, manure, fuel transportation and annual
rent had negative coefficient. Also the regression coefficient of socio
economic variables such as education, age, nursery size were positive
and significant. Household size had a positive coefficient but was
insignificant (P<0.05). Ornamental production experience had a
negative coefficient and was insignificant