Authors : R.O. Babatunde , A.O. Omotesho , E.O. Olorunsanya and A. Amadou
Abstract: This study examines the optimal crop combination in small-scale vegetable irrigation farming in Niger republic. A total of 35 small-scale vegetable irrigators were randomly selected from 6 irrigation schemes, under the Nigerien Agency for the Promotion of Private Irrigation (ANPIP). Primary data were collected from selected farmers during the 2002 farming season and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear programming approaches. The analysis shows that the optimal crop combination was the tomato-based crop mixtures, consisting of tomato/cucumber/onion/okra/watermelon. The optimal value of the programme was CFA 329,681. The carrot-based system was the second most profitable enterprise while the onion-based system was the least profitable enterprise. Land was a limiting resource in vegetable farming. Labour, irrigation water and capital were non-limiting resources. Farmers were advised to concentrate and intensify the cultivation of the tomato-based enterprise because of its higher profitability. Government should assist farmers by preparing land and giving it to vegetable farmers at affordable prices while also empowering them financially to be able to increase their farm sizes for increased vegetable production.
R.O. Babatunde , A.O. Omotesho , E.O. Olorunsanya and A. Amadou , 2007. Optimal Crop Combination in Small-Scale Vegetable Irrigation Farming Scheme: Case Study from Niger Republic . Research Journal of Applied Sciences, 2: 617-622.