Economic Analysis of Maize Storage Techniques Utilized by Farmers in Osun State

This study was carried out to analyze the economics of maize storage techniques employed by farmers in Olorunda local government area of Osun state. The specific objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of maize farmers, investigate maize production practices and experience, examine types and characteristics of maize storage system used, as well as identify storage-related challenges encountered by respondents. Random sampling technique was employed to select 119 respondents in the study area. Data were collected with the aid of structured interview schedule and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Result of the analysis revealed that the mean age of respondents was 47.08years, 74.8% were male, while 84.9% were married with the mean household size of 6 members. The most common type of storage technique adopted in the study area was the crib, and the technique was also found to be the most profitable with a profit of #83,813 per ton of maize stored. Pest infestation and disease outbreak were recognized as the most serious challenges to the stored grains. The logit regression analysis revealed that there was significant relationship between socio-economic characteristics of respondents and storage decision of respondents. Further analysis established that significant relationship exists between the cost of storage and revenue generated by the farmers. Farmers are encouraged to form cooperative societies through which joint efforts could be made to put in place adequate and effective storage facilities for corporate use of members. This will reduce per head storage cost.