This research work concentrated on Massive production pepper (Ose Nsukka) in Nsukka L.G.A. The researcher made use of survey research design in carrying out the research where he made use of primary and secondary sources of data to reduce vital Information needed for the study. Primary sources of data include personal interview, personal observation and structured Interview while secondary data involved the use of text books, magazines and past research work to educe vital Information related to our research questions as we as two research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The findings of the study revealed that Nsukka is growing rapidly in the production of pepper (Ose Nsukka) because their farmers are committed; government is not seriously committed to the production of pepper (Ose Nsukka) like forming of farmers cooperative societies, government assistance, formation of an organized distribution channel as we as marketing cooperatives should be put into place to enhance effective distribution of Nsukka pepper (Ose Nsukka) in Nigeria at large. The research recommended that “Ose Nsukka” producers should be adequately supported both government and non-governmental to encouragement since they are really making positive impact in the pepper production industry in Nigeria Pepper producers should form agricultural cooperative to enable them access government loan and support which will also enable them create good distribution channel for their produce. The researcher concluded that “Ose Nsukka” has added to the economic growth of the study area.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page ii

Approval page iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgment v

Abstract vii

Table of contents viii

CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study 1

1.2 Statement of the research 4

1. 3 Objective of the study 5

1.4 Research questions 6

1.5 Research Hypothesis 7

1.6 Significance of the study 8

1. 7 Scope and Limitations of the study 8

1.8 Definition of terms 10

References 12

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Nsukka Pepper and its Production 13

2.2 The vegetable pepper 16

2.3 Distribution and agricultural marketing systems 19

2.4 Economic value of Pepper 32

2.5 Government policies and programmes that

affect pepper production 375

2.6 Definition of co-operatives 48

2.7 Role of Agricultural co-operative 55

References 58

CHAPTER THREE:

RESEARCH METHOD

3.1 Research design and methodology 59

3.2 Area of study 60

3.3 Sources of data 61

3.4 Research population 62

3.5 Measuring instrument 64

3.6 Validity and reliability of the Instrument 65

3.7 Administration of instrument 65

3.8 Method of data analysis 66

References 67

CHAPTER FOUR:

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Data presentation and analysis 68

CHAPTER FIVE:

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of findings 77

5.2 Recommendations 79

5.3 Conclusion 80

Bibliography 82

Appendix 84

Questionnaire 85

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Of The Study

Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is the most popular spice in the world. It is a native to India and has been used there since ancient times. It was often used as form for better nutrient absorption. In addition to curcumin, the piperine in yellow pepper also increase absorption of several other nutrients, including selenium, vitamin B, curcumin and Beta-carotene. In digestive aspect, eating yellow pepper increase production of hydrochloric acid, a digestive enzyme that help to reduce food transits time through the intestine, which in turn prevent gas, heartburn and constipation.

Egharevba (1995), vegetable production is an excellent source of vitamin A,C,B6, potassium, thus, essential components of human diet. Just one yellow pepper provides the body with 7 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A, 15 percent of vitamin B6, 168 percent of potassium. Consequent upon this, there had increased in commercial activities surrounding these commodities.

Pepper production forms a substantial percentage (about 29%) of the major food crops cultivated in tropics and 30 it is the main source for a considerable section of the population.

In the effort toward nutrition hunger, significant increase in food production have been successful through the use of fertilizer, improved seeds, improved production practices and cooperative efforts of small scale formers who were able to pull their resources both human and non-human together for improved and massive production food.

Pepper in their fresh forms contains high percentage of water they are living and hence carryout their physiological function of respiration there by absorbing and releasing gases and their other materials from and to their environment. These activities lead to their deterioration in transit and storage, which is more rapid under the condition of high temperature (80^of) and humidity. As a result heavy damages and losses are encountered in this crop.

Based on the above, this study strives to study the massive production of pepper (Ose Nsukka) in Nsukka LGA; it not an overstatement to say that yellow pepper in Nigerian no matter where it is cultivated and harvest, comparable to Nsukka locality and this is why it is popularly known and addresses as “Ose Nsukka”.

Moreover, the massive production of pepper (Ose Nsukka) has contributed to the growth of Nigerian economy mostly in the Eastern part of the country is high notable and appreciated. For instance a good number of rural women are gain fully employed through massive production and distribution of Ose Nsukka.

Finally the nutrional value of yellow pepper (Ose Nsukka) is equally something to behold considering the above benefit, this study will therefore, concentrate on the massive production of pepper (Ose nsukka) in Nsukka LGA.

1.2 Statement of Research

Agricultural produce are enormous, some of them are cash crops, which need to be exported to the countries beyond Nigeria shores to provide foreign earnings for the country (Akinbode 1979). Others are staple food staffs, which are needed to feed, the population. But, because of the spatial differential in the locations of production and consumption, that is, the farm and the market, the produce have to be effectively distributed to reach the target market and consumers.

In the case of massive production of pepper “Ose Nsukka”, it is a common truth that there is much wastage on the produce during the time of planting as a result of lack of improving technology used in preservation of the seeds.

Moreover, lack of organized market for the produce equally contribution too to the problem encountered in production of “Ose Nsukka”. Also adequate funding and general enlightenment on positive ways

1.3 Objectives of the study

The general objective of the research is massive production of pepper (Ose Nsukka) in Nsukka local government area.

The following are the specific objectives of the research work;

a) To study the production of pepper (Ose Nsukka).

b) To study the problem encounter in the production of pepper (Ose Nsukka) in Nsukka LGA.

c) To ascertain, the nutrition value of Nsukka pepper.

d) To study the value chain involved and see where the economic gain can be made.

e) To remove waste form the system and recommended co-operative ventures to adequate production of Ose Nsukka.

1.4 Research Question

The following are the research questions formulated to guide this study

i. What should be done to ensure effective production of pepper in study?

ii. Why is Nsukka growing rapidly in the production of pepper (Ose Nsukka)?

iii. what are the major constraints impeding the production of pepper

iv. to what extent to does pepper producer in Nsukka

v. form cooperative to boost Nsukka pepper production

vi. In that area?

1.5 Research hypotheses

Below are the hypothesis formulated for this research work

H₁: There is no significant problems encountered in the Production of pepper in Nsukka

H_o: There significant problems production of pepper in Nsukka

H₁: There is no significant nutrition value derivable from consumption of pepper (Ose Nsukka).

H_o: There is no significant nutrition value derivable from consumption of pepper (Ose Nsukka).

1.6 Significance Of The Study

This research work represents a symbol of academic and economic achievement based on its significant in so many ways.

Firstly the research is of significance to the agricultural sector in Enugu state precisely Nsukka local government area considering the economic and nutritional value attached to massive production of pepper (Ose Nsukka) in Nsukka LGA.

Finally, it is significance to future researcher who would use it as a stepping guild to their own study.

1.7 Scope and limitations of the study

This study covers the massive production of pepper (Ose Nsukka) in Nsukka LGA. The research covered some selected communities like Ede-Oballa, Uzo-Uwani, Ngwuru Nsukka, Obi-mo in Nsukka local government area of Enugu state because of constraints listed below;

Data collection

Collection of information of a product from actual farmers/users is not so easy and simple. There are some badly completed questionnaires and some tend to be biased in ensuring their questions are properly answered.

Financial

Finance is the back bone of every plan going by economic hardship facing the country; the researcher had limited financial background which could not take him to various areas as he ought to have done

Time

Time factor is one of the greatest problem, for the fact that the researcher is till a student taking cognizance of the academic load facing him as an ND final student and it is compulsory that he attends classroom lectures, carryout assignments, writing term paper as a pre requisite for his ND certificate, therefore could not find it convenient to complete such uphill tedious task.

1.8 Definition of terms

The following term where defined as they are used in the study.

1. Co-operative society: cooperative is a association of persons who volume rally come together to pull their resources in order to achieve a common objectives.

2. Farmers: These are the people who engage in carrying out the activities of agriculture.

3. Agriculture: Agriculture includes growing of crop and rearing of animals birds and fishing as well as the processing, distribution and selling of the produce and their bye-product.

4. Self-help: This simply means self-reliance, self-dependence and self-confidence.

5. Development: Development can be seen to advancement, striating from one point to another from crude to the refined and ineffective and that is growth plus change.

6. Botanist: A person who specializes in the study of plant.

7. Disease: This is the abnormality in the normal stake of health.