| Title: CUCUMBER ECONOMICS IN NIGERIA: PROFIT, RISK AND DRIVERS |
| Authors: NWADIOLU, R., EWODODHE, A. C. A., KPEYEGBEYI, J.I. and DOUBRA, B. |
| Abstract: This study performed assessment on the profitability of cucumber production on farm-level in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, Nigeria. Cost-returns, household survey and regression analysis were done through the survey. Average farm seasonal output was 1,453 kg, while average market price was ₦200/kg, giving average seasonal revenue of ₦289,750 and average seasonal total cost of ₦134,037. Average net farm profit was ₦155,713 (which is profiting ₦107.18 per kg). This means the net profit margin is 53.6%, and ROI is 1.16. The analysis on sensitivity showed that price and yield are the most dominating factors, because a simultaneous 30% drop in yield and price gave a ROI of 5.6%. Yield, access to market, and available labour, were determined to be net margin per kg positive predictors in the multiple regression (R2 = 0.68). The margins were reduced due to input cost, and post, harvest loss, and quality. Deficient technical knowledge, low finance, and weak value addition were identified the key constrains. Prioritize market linkage, post-harvest, input access, extension, to enhancing returns and reducing risks especially small, mostly women producers, is the findings. Programs aimed at providing low cost irrigation, cold chain, and producer aggregation along with credit based on gender, demonstration plots, and irrigation are recommended.t also contributes to the development of more sustainable practices in food preservation. Future work will focus on refining the model and exploring its applicability to other seafood products. |
| Keywords: Cucumber, Net Profit margin, Cost, Price, Output |
| DOI: https://doi.org/10.61646/IJCRAS.vol.5.issue2.140 |
| Date of Publication: 17-03-2026 |
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| Published Volume and Issue: Volume 5, Issue 2, March-April 2026 |