REASONS FOR THE RAPID DECLINE IN SMALL HOLDING RUBBER PRODUCTION IN ETHIOPE WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper examined the reasons why there had been a rapid decline in small holding rubber production in Nigeria with specific reference to Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.  Data for the study were collected from 45 rubber producers, using structured interview schedule.  Percentage distribution and mean (X)  scores were used in the analysis of the data.  The findings revealed that the major problems militating against rubber production in the study area included low producer price, low yield per hectare, indiscriminate bush burning, lack of good marketing channels, lack of capital and government incentives.  Many hectares of rubber plantation had been substituted with arable, biennial and perennial crops.  However, majority (60.0%) of the rubber producers were willing to rehabilitate their plantations.  They therefore, proffered solutions to the identified problems responsible for the rapid decline in small holding rubber production in the  area.  Recommendations were also made.