Igwe, K.C., C.E. Onyenweaku, and J.C. Nwaru
Linear programming technique is relevant in optimization of resource allocation and achieving efficiency in production planning particularly in achieving increased agricultural productivity. The growing fisheries sub-sector among arable crop farmers in Ohafia Agricultural Zone necessitated the development of a prototype LP model for the semi-commercial farmers in the area. A circle was selected from each of the three blocks within Ohafia Agricultural Zone using a sampling frame from the Zonal Office of the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP). Thirty respondents were randomly selected to develop optimum enterprise combination and to carry out the investigation on maximization of gross returns from semi-commercial agriculture in the Zone. Major arable crops undertaken by farmers who combine their crop farming with fishery enterprise were identified. A list of these farmers derived from the zonal office of Agricultural Development Programme in Ohafia formed the sampling frame. With the assistance of the three extension officers in the chosen zone, a cost route approach was used to generate data from the production season to the marketing of products. A Linear programming technique was applied to determine the optimum enterprise combination using 2009/2010 farm data. Out of the twelve production activities, made up of ten cropping activities and two fish enterprises, only two – one for crop and livestock enterprises respectively is recommended by the model for farmers to achieve a gross income of N342,763.30. This will help in enhancing food security among rural farmers in study area in particular and the country in general.
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