WETLAND

This study investigated the effect of wetland conditions on cassava production in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to examine the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers, compare the costs and returns between wetland and arable land farmers, assess technical efficiency, evaluate yield differences, and identify coping strategies used to manage environmental challenges. Primary data were collected from 96 cassava farmers selected through a multistage sampling procedure across four wetland and four arable land communities. A structured questionnaire was administered, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, stochastic frontier production function, and t-tests to compare profitability, yield, and efficiency across both farming environments. The results showed that cassava production was profitable in both environments but significantly more profitable in arable land areas. Arable land farmers earned higher average
profit (₦490,438.60) than wetland farmers (₦150,583.63), and also recorded higher mean yields (2,279 kg compared to 1,413.4 kg). Technical efficiency was similar for both groups, with mean scores of 0.629 (wetland) and 0.632 (arable land). The study further revealed that wetland farmers face challenges such as flooding, high weed pressure, and higher production costs, prompting coping strategies like off-farm income, livestock rearing, and cooperative membership.