Abstract
Cowpea farming plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of farmers. This study evaluates the optimization and determinants of cowpea farmers’ output in the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna State, Nigeria. Primary data are obtained from a sample of 160 cowpea farmers. Descriptive statistics, Cobb-Douglas Regression Model (CDRM), Return to Scale (RTS), and Elasticity of Production (EP) Model are employed for analysis. The results indicate that cowpea farming is a profitable business venture, since the total returns (₦806,809.70) exceed the cost of production (₦254,128.93). Furthermore, determinants such as farm size, family labour, fertilizers, and seeds have significant effects on cowpea farmers’ output, thereby highlighting the importance of efficient resource utilization. Elasticity of production is significantly different from zero, with farm size and pesticides having the highest and lowest values, with estimated coefficients of 0.240 and 0.042, respectively. Additionally, the return to scale, which serves as a measure of total resource productivity, is positive—1.173. The findings suggest that cowpea farmers are operating under conditions of increasing returns to scale, corresponding to Stage One of the production function. Accordingly, the study advocates for policy interventions that enhance access to credit and farm inputs, and reinforce the effectiveness of extension service delivery.
Keywords: cowpea farming, determinants of output, Cobb-Douglas Production Function, elasticity of production