Economics of pearl millet (mahangu) production by communal farmers in Omusati Region

Abstract

Abstract by author:

A major part of the survey effort was expended on collecting detailed information on the labour inputs and draft/tractor power that households invest in mahangu production. The productivity of mahangu was determined on the basis of returns to family labour, time spent in mahangu production and gross margin per hectare. Results indicated that the return to family member time spent in mahangu production is N$ 9. 18/ day for no hiring and N$ 7. 09/ day for hiring a tractor for 50 percent area. The second productivity was gross margin which was calculated by subtracting the total variable costs from the gross value of production. The gross margin results was N$ 175. 32 for no hiring andN$ 120. 32 for hiring, which is much less in comparison with other areas for example in Caprivi region which is N$ 685/ha according to Farm Household Survey, 1996

The study also indicated that the major factors limiting marketing of mahangu are lack of local markets, drought, low yield, low prices for mahangu and lack of transport facilities. The survey also indicated that the increase of mahangu production in Okapya is limited by lack of human power in the house, weak draft animals eg. donkey due to inadequate grazing pasture and lack of access to credit facilities