Plantain and banana are vital for food security and income in Nigeria, yet average yields remain significantly below potential, constrained by a complex interplay of factors. This study assessed the socio-economic characteristics of plantain farmers, their agronomic practices, and the corresponding soil fertility status to identify the primary constraints limiting production. A cross-sectional survey of 1000 plantain farmers in Boki Cross River State, Nigeria was conducted to collect data on socioeconomics and farm management practices. Concurrently, 45 composite soil samples were collected from 0-30 cm depth and analyzed for key physico-chemical properties. The typical farmer is a smallholder (>80% with <2 ha), with limited formal education and critically inadequate access to credit. Agronomic practices are largely traditional: farmers primarily use unimproved suckers (95%), practice manual slash-and-burn land preparation, and rarely apply inorganic fertilizers due to high cost. While intercropping and mulching are common, their implementation is often suboptimal. Soil analysis revealed widespread and critical challenges, with 80% of soils being acidic (pH <5.5), 82% low in organic carbon, and over 89% critically deficient in exchangeable potassium. The most severe production constraints were Black Sigatoka disease (reported by 95% of farmers), the high cost of inputs (87%), and low soil fertility (78%). The low productivity of plantain in Nigeria is not due to a single factor but a vicious cycle where socioeconomic limitations prevent the adoption of improved practices, leading to soil nutrient depletion and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. An integrated intervention strategy is urgently needed, focusing on affordable credit, farmer education on integrated soil fertility management, and the dissemination of disease-resistant planting materials to break this cycle and enhance sustainable production.