ECONOMICS AND PROFITABILITY OF ORGANIC SESAME (Sesamum indicum L.) PRODUCTION IN GWER EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Publication Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2026
Author(s): Nnama, U. C., Gbadebo, W. A., Wayo, J. S.
Journal Name: (IJAEMD)
ABSTRACT
Organic agriculture offers a sustainable pathway to enhance agricultural productivity and profitability while addressing environmental concerns. This study analyzed the economics and profitability of organic sesame production in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, a region renowned for sesame cultivation. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 120 organic sesame farmers, and data were collected during the 2023/2024 cropping season using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, total factor productivity (TFP) indices, and double-log regression models were utilized for data analysis. The findings revealed that organic sesame farming is predominantly undertaken by experienced male farmers (92%) with a mean age of 40 years, who primarily use inherited land (85%) and traditional implements (93%). While organic practices such as crop rotation with legumes (100%) and animal manure application (100%) were universally adopted, critical gaps existed in the utilization of natural pesticides (24%), mulching (0%), and compost application (0%). The enterprise demonstrated high profitability with a gross margin of ₦62,409 per hectare. However, TFP analysis revealed that most farmers (63%) operated at low efficiency levels (TFP index of 0.6-1.9), with a mean TFP of 1.05 indicating significant productive inefficiency. Regression results identified Farm size (0.891), household size (0.278), and farming experience (0.258) as positive and significant drivers of TFP, whereas labor (-0.587) and seed quantity (-0.475) showed diminishing returns. Low market prices, insufficient road networks, and limited access to funding were the main constraints on production. The study concludes that although organic sesame farming is profitable, systemic issues and inefficiencies limit productivity. To support integrated organic agricultural techniques, recommendations include strengthening cooperative organizations, expanding access to credit, improving rural infrastructure, and enhancing extension services.
Keywords: Organic Sesame, Profitability, Gross Margin, Total Factor Productivity, Constraints, Gwer East, Nigeria.