Abstract:
The objective of this study was to analyze the economics of faba bean production in the Nile and
the Underground water schemes in the Northern State, Sudan, through examining the socioeconomic
characteristics of faba bean-producers, investigating faba bean costs, returns and
profits and to derive the faba bean's production function in the two mentioned schemes. A multistage
random sampling technique was used to collect data from 240 respondents by means of
questionnaire during the 2013/14 season. Descriptive statistics, gross margin and regression
analysis techniques were used to meet the stated objectives. The results revealed that; the
majority of faba bean producers in the state were in the active age group, had a big family size
and had a low education level. Land rent was the main cost item in the Nile and the Underground
schemes contributed substantially to the total costs of 28.74 and 36.78%, respectively. Faba bean
farmers used most of their resources inefficiently. Almost all inputs used different significantly
from the recommended ones; however they gained profits. The regression analysis exposed that
irrigation cost and harvesting cost were the major variables that affecting faba bean production in
both of the named schemes. The study suggested strengthening of extension services, increased
the access to microfinance to allow farmers use improved seeds and to encourage them to adopt
of technical packages. |
