Gender differential in profitability of cultivating Scotch bonnet pepper.

Profitability difference may exist across farmers' gender. This study examined profitability differences of male and female Scotch bonnet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) farmers, levels of profitability of Scotch bonnet pepper cultivation, comparison of production cost, output and profit, and identified factors affecting profitability in Scotch bonnet pepper production. Data from respondents obtained through multi-stage sampling were analyzed with descriptive and budgetary techniques. There was a mean gross margin (GM) of N42,126 for male and N16,929 for female farmers; N is the Naira, Nigerian currency, 1 USD = N300. The GM ratio was 0.81 and 0.91 for male and female farmers, respectively. Rates of return on investment were 23.8% for male and 9.5% for female; profit was N23,796 for males and N8,016 for female farmers. A difference occurred across gender in mean production cost per land area (N100,025.33 for males and N84,260.58 for females), output (375.55 kg for males and 286.62 kg for females), and profit (N23,789.00 for males and N8,016.35 for females). For both genders, profitability of Scotch bonnet pepper cultivation was mostly affected by poor pricing (96.0% for males and 100.0% of females), poorly organized market (88.0% for males and 100.0% of females), scarcity of improved inputs (76.0% of males and 80.8% of females), problem of pests and diseases (77.3% of males and 80.8% of females). Profitability level of Scotch bonnet pepper cultivation, especially for female farmers can be improved through adequate training and access to funds for purchasing basic production inputs and facilitating adequate market linkages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]