Determinants of Yam and Cassava Output in Solid Mineral Extraction Areas of Southeast Nigeria

Solid mineral extraction activities have increasingly altered the agricultural landscape of Southeast Nigeria. This study investigated the determinants of yam and cassava output in solid mineral extraction areas of Southeast Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from farming households using a multistage sampling procedure and structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression techniques. Findings revealed that farm size, labour utilization, access to improved planting materials, fertilizer use, farming experience, extension contact, and access to credit exerted positive and statistically significant effects on yam and cassava output. Results in Table 2 shows the key solid minerals limestone, sand, laterite, gravel, coal, zinc and lead, indicating presence of numerous solid mineral mining activities is the study area. The results in Table 3 shows that the quantity of seed used and farm size were positive and statistically significant (0.416844, p < 0.01 and 146.7183, p < 0.01, respectively) in Abia state. In Ebonyi, the quantity of seed used and total labour employed were positive and significant (0.06943, p < 0.01 and 27.08881, p < 0.05, respectively); while in Enugu, education, fertilizer usage, and cooperative membership were positive and significant (2926.164, p < 0.01; 0.024675, p < 0.01; 7746.397, p < 0.10, respectively). The study concludes that solid mineral extraction poses measurable risks to root and tuber production in Southeast Nigeria. It recommends strengthened environmental regulation of mining activities, rehabilitation of degraded farmlands, and targeted input support for affected farmers to sustain food security and rural livelihoods in mineral-producing communities.