This study was undertaken to analyze resource productivity in ornamental plants production within Jos metropolis of Nigeria.
The covered Jos North and Jos South local government areas. The specific objectives include: identifying the effect of socio-economic factors on resource productivity, determining costs and returns, and resource productivity in ornamental plants production.
An extensive literature review was carried out to provide an in- depth knowledge of the study. The cluster sampling procedure was used because the nurseries are located in clusters.
Data was collected from the nursery owners. Six respondents from each cluster and five clusters from each local government area were selected using the simple random sampling method at each sampling stage.
Each of the two local government areas was administered the 30 questionnaires making a total of 60 respondents.
Results revealed that 60% of respondents were aged between 41-50, while 80% had some years of tertiary education. Also 60% of the respondents’ nurseries were less than a quarter of an acre.
About 40% had horticulture as their primary occupation, while 40% and 20% had business and civil service respectively as their primary occupation.
The ornamental plants producers made a net farm income of N351,196 per annum and a naira invested gave returns of 10.
Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Horticulture is the of plants concerned with intensively cultured plants used by man as fresh foods, esthetics and medicine (Uzo, 1997).
Ornamental plants are plants grown either for colourful flowers or decorative leaves.
They include a wide range of annuals and perennials extensively employed in landscaping for esthetic purposes of colour, fragrance and enhancing serenity in and around the home, public places such as recreation areas, tourist sites and cities.
Ornamental plants also modify the micro climate by providing shade, reducing wind speed, helping to increase humidity and absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen (Evans, 1999).
Ornamental plants provide sanctuary for birds, insects and numerous other animals. Miscellaneous uses include the offer of cut flowers as gifts to people, friends sportsmen and women and national leaders.
In Nigeria, flowers are used to beautify homes. In countries like India, flowers are used to adorn women’s hair and decorate pictures of gods, saints and deceased loved ones (National Horticulture Board, 1995).
The major facets of ornamental plants include production of flowers and potted plants, growing of flower bulbs and corms including subsequent arrangement and delivery.
Each facet is highly specialized with definite requirements, facilities and technical knowledge (Edmond, 1997).
References
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Adepoju, S.O, A. Owonubi and C. Nwadike (2006). Economics of Ornamental plant seedling in Jos metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria. Farm management Association of Nigeria (F.A.M.A.N) proceedings of 20th Annual Conference Pp. 315 – 322.
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