ABSTRACT

The study modelled the labour productivity equation for waterleaf farmers in the Uyo agricultural zone of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Four hundred and twenty (420) waterleaf farmers were randomly chosen for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and a multiple linear regression model based on Ordinary Least Squares estimation technique was specified and estimated. The explanatory variables used were derived from an in-depth reviewed of related literature and observed characteristics of the respondents. The empirical results revealed that; farmers’ marital status, education, household size, farming experience, access to extension, quantity of waterleaf stems planted and the amount of credit collected as loans were positive determinants of labour productivity in waterleaf production enterprises. On the contrary, farm size, quantity of manure used and non-farm income were identified as negative determinants of labour productivity in waterleaf production in the zone. Based on the results, it was recommended that, improved education of waterleaf farmers, fertilizer subsidy and provision of quality planting materials should be considered when developing any policy framework for labour productivity of vegetable farmers in the State.