Production Risk and Productivity of Smallholder Onion Farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the production risks and productivity of smallholder onion farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria. The study specifically analyzed the production risk associated with onion production for each input, assessed the contribution of major production inputs to onion output, and estimated the returns to scale in onion production. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 254 onion farmers from Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, and Wukari Local Government Areas of Taraba State. Primary data were collected during the 2025 cropping season using semi-structured questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed usingCobb-Douglas production function model.The results revealed that Fertilizer, seed, and agro-chemicals played a significant role in increasing output and reducing production risk, while labour remains a major source of yield variability. The findings also revealed that seed (β = 0.424, p˂0.01), fertilizer (β = 0.475, p˂0.01), and labour (β = 0.096, p˂0.01) had positive and statistically significant relationship with onion output, while agro-chemical use had a positive but statistically insignificant relationship (β = 0.004, p = 0.485); with seed and fertilizer exercise the strongest relationship on productivity. The estimated return to scale indicated increasing returns to scale, implying that farmers were still operating below the optimum production level and could increase output by more efficiently utilizing available resources. The study concluded that onion production in Taraba State has considerable potential for improved productivity if farmers are supported with quality inputs, extension services, and improved production practices. The study recommended that farmers should be encouraged to use improved onion seed and fertilizer appropriately. Although seed and fertilizer contributed positively to onion output, their risk-reducing relationship was not statistically significant. Therefore, farmers should focus on using good-quality seed and applying fertilizer at recommended rates rather than simply increasing the quantities used.