Economic Analysis of Small Scale Forest-Based Mortar and Pestles Production in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The study was designed to analyze the economics of small scale forest-based mortar and pestles production in Kaduna metropolis. A total of 80 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed using well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, costs and returns analysis, Gross ratio, Operating ratio, Expense structure ratio, Return per capital invested, Benefit-cost ratio and Regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The study showed that all the respondents involved in the production of mortar and pestles were male and within the age range of 20-60 years. Most were also educated and married with household sizes ranging between 5-7 members. The study further revealed that the production of mortar and pestles is a profitable enterprise and there was a significant relationship between the net income and production costs of the respondents. Labour cost, transportation cost, and cost of trees, and rent were significant at 1% while cost of permits was significant at 5% probability level, thus play a crucial role in the net return. The problems militating against the production of mortar and pestles in the area were high transportation cost, high cost of tools, poor weather condition, poor road network, finance and marketing problems. To bring about sustainable production and enhance the level of profitability from production of mortar and pestle, there is a need to replant any trees fell from the forest or farmland. The problem of bad roads should be addressed by the government at all levels to reduce the cost incurred on transportation.Keywords: Cost, return analysis, Gross ratio, Operating ratio, Expense structure rati