THE ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES OF SPRAY PESTICIDES ON COWPEAS (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) PRODUCTION IN GOMBE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The research focused on the economic advantages of spray pesticides on cowpeas production
in Gombe local government area of Gombe state. The research used both primary and
secondary data, obtained via pre-tested questionnaires by interview method. The study
employed descriptive statistics. Gross margin analysis established the economic effect of
pesticides application on cowpea production. Also, ordinary least square regression analysis
was adopted to isolate the variables affecting cowpea output in the area. The study revealed
that factors dictating the output of cowpea are; quantity of seeds sown, man-labor supplied
and expenditure on insecticides applied in the area. It also confirmed the fact that economic
profitability in the production of cowpea is the function of the adoption of spray pesticides
application. The study recommended that farmers should embrace the use of insecticides since
it is accompanied by more economic gains in terms of output and cash returns to the farmers
and well-articulated extension services of storages, market and loans facilities be provided to
the farmers.