Economic Analysis of Greenhouse Vegetable Production Among Commercial Farmers in Abuja FCT

Greenhouse vegetable production is an emerging commercial horticultural enterprise in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, driven by growing demand for high-quality produce from the city's restaurant, hospitality, and supermarket sectors. Despite its growth potential, the economic feasibility of greenhouse production relative to open-field cultivation remains inadequately evaluated for the Nigerian urban horticultural context. This study conducts a comparative economic analysis of greenhouse and open-field vegetable production among commercial farmers in Abuja FCT, focusing on tomato, cucumber, and sweet pepper. Data were collected from 40 greenhouse and 40 open-field commercial vegetable farmers using structured questionnaires and enterprise cost-benefit schedules. Gross margin analysis, net return on investment, and partial budgeting were applied. Results indicate that greenhouse production generates higher gross margins per hectare for tomato and sweet pepper but requires significantly higher capital investment in infrastructure and climate management. The benefit-cost ratio for greenhouse production was 2.1, compared to 1.7 for open-field production. The study identifies access to affordable greenhouse construction materials and climate control equipment as the primary barriers to scale-up. Recommendations include development of a national greenhouse subsidy program and establishment of horticultural technology parks in Abuja FCT to support commercial vegetable enterprises. Keywords: greenhouse production, economic analysis, commercial farming, Abuja FCT, benefit-cost ratio