Comparative Analysis of Labour Costs and Returns in Small-Scale Maize-Cowpea Farming: A Case Study Mubi North Local Government, Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study examines the comparative analysis of labor costs and returns in small-scale maize-cowpea farming, focusing on Mubi North Local Government, Adamawa State, Nigeria. The research investigates the costs incurred by farmers using family labor versus hired labor for various farm operations, as well as the returns generated from these operations. Data were collected from farmers, and the results show that the mean cost of labor per man-day for family labor ranged from N1716.43 to N328.44, with the highest cost being for the first weeding and the lowest for planting maize. In comparison, farmers utilizing hired labor had higher costs, ranging from N2750.11 to N350.85 per man-day, with the highest cost for the second weeding and the lowest for the second fertilizer application. Overall, hired labor was more expensive, leading to a total expenditure of N23,120.24 on labor, with hired labor constituting N14,513.99 and family labor N8,606.25. The cost and returns analysis revealed that farmers spent a mean total of N46,246.82 and N48,561.16 per hectare for family and hired labor respectively, and realized revenues of N69,084.39 and N73,201.22 for family and hired labor respectively. The study also found that hired labor resulted in higher returns over variable costs of production, total revenue, and gross margin per man-day, indicating that farmers who used hired labor tended to make greater profits. However, the return on capital investment for both family and hired labor was relatively low, suggesting the need for more efficient use of production inputs to enhance profitability in small-scale maize-cowpea farming.