Profitability analysis of cowpeas production among the smallholder farmers in Arapai sub county, Soroti district.

Abstract

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is a key indigenous legume found in tropical and subtropical regions, significantly contributing to food security and income generation for smallholder farmers. This study investigates the profitability of cowpea cultivation. The small holder farmers in Arapai sub county Soroti district where 100 small holder farmers from Dakabela, Arabaka, Odudui, and Agirigiloi parishes were sampled using pre tested researcher administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and a multiple linear regression model were employed to analyze the socioeconomic characteristics of cowpea farmers and the factors influencing cowpea profitability. The findings indicated that male farmers comprised 56% of the sample, while female farmers made up 44%. The average age of the respondents was 42 years, with 83% being married most farmers had completed primary education, and they averaged 23 years of farming experience. Typically, the respondents lived in households consisting of around 8 members and owned approximately 3.65 acres of land in total, with about 1.29 acres dedicated to cowpea cultivation. The average profit generated by smallholder farmers from cowpea production was 123,194.22 UGX per acre. Factors such as price per kilogram, farming experience, pesticide costs, quantity sold (in kg), and land preparation expenses positively and significantly impacted cowpea profitability. In contrast, age and seed costs had a negative significant effect on profitability. Recommendations include encouraging farmers to treat cowpeas not merely as a subsistence crop but also as a cash crop, strengthening agricultural extension services to aid smallholder farmers, and developing policies that enhance market access, support, and fair pricing for cowpea farmers.