Evolution of dry-season irrigated vegetable production between 1982 and 2000 on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria

This paper reports on the changes observed in dry-season irrigated vegetable production over the course of nearly 20 years along the Delimi River on the Jos Plateau. Data from three questionnaires (carried out in 1982, 1990 and 2000) were compared and integrated with interview information from 2000. The data indicate that although entrepreneurial farmers benefit from this activity, which is becoming increasingly commercialized (supplying markets within and beyond Nigeria), the majority continue to struggle to achieve profits. Should dry-season farming continue to expand, this struggle will be further exacerbated.