FACTORS CONSTRAINING THE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF PAWPAW (Carica papaya) IN EKITI STATE, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

The objective of this work is to identify and examine major factors constraining pawpaw production and marketing in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria. Questionnaire schedule and personal interviews were used to collect data from ten Local Government Areas in the state. A total of 76 pawpaw farmers were randomly interviewed for this study. The study identified poor patronage in the market, poor marketing system, inadequate capital, poor price, inadequate extension services, poor transportation, exploitative role of middle men, insufficient marketing  information, high cost of labour, high cost of agrochemicals and poor storage facilities as the major constraining factors of pawpaw production and marketing in the area. The study recommended more effective extension services, formation of production and marketing cooperatives among the pawpaw farmers, maintenance of feeder roads, credit from government and financial institutions and organising enlightenment programmes about the nutritional and medicinal value of pawpaw fruit by Non Governmental Organisation, Extension agents and food nutritionist to increase pawpaw production and marketing in the area.