Practices of farmers in production and marketing of tomato in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria

The study described socio-economic characteristics, production, consumption and marketing patterns of tomato farmers as well as constraints they encounter in tomato production in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty tomato farmers randomly selected form twelve villages in the area constituted sample for the study. Data were collected with interview schedule and questionnaire and were presented with frequency, percentage and mean scores. Findings show that the respondents were mainly married (71%) women (72.5%) who were literate with mean age and mean farming experience of 42.22 years and 17.21years respectively. Greater proportion of the respondents grew tomatoes on communal land (31.7%) with personal savings (42.5%) and hired labour (45%). They grew tomatoes during rainy season (54.1%) using personal reserved seeds (53.3%). Lack/poor storage facility (M=2.00) and fluctuation in price of tomato (M = 2.13) were some of the serious constraints to production and marketing of tomatoes respectively in the area. The study recommends that government, non-governmental organisations, self help development organisations/agencies as well as philanthropists should assist in provision of storage facilities for tomatoes so as to reduce losses and ensure preservation and availability of the product all year round at reasonable and stable price