O. E. Inoni
Abstract
Using survey data obtained from a cross section of 120 small-scale yam farmers, the paper analysed the effects of yam beetles infestation in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State.
The demographic profile of respondents showed that farmers in the area were within the active workforce with a mean age of 42 years, and about 41% of them either attempted or
completed secondary school. Damage to yam beetles ranged from 27.69% to 39.72% with a mean beetle attack rate of 32.69% that caused a loss of tubers worth N 1.09 million in
market value. High cost of pesticides and cost of equipment and labour were reported as major obstacles to the effective control of yam tuber beetles. Regression results
indicated that planting date and cost of pesticides had negative and statistically significant effects (p < 0.01) on value of yams lost to beetles. Elasticity estimates showed
that a 1 percentage delay in planting date will reduce yam loss to beetles by 7%, while a proportionate increase in the level of pesticides applied will reduce yam loss by
5.4%. Therefore a combination of planting dates manipulation and pesticides application that will drastically control the attack of yam tuber beetles and enhance farmers'
income is recommended.
Key words:
small-scale yam production, yam tuber beetles, level of infestation, planting dates, reduced market value