IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

International Journal of Agriculture and Earth Science (IJAES )

E- ISSN 2489-0081
P- ISSN 2695-1894
VOL. 9 NO. 5 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56201/ijaes.v9.no5.2023.pg73.82

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Appraisal of Soil Conservation Practices Utilized by Crop Farmers in Orashi Region of Rivers State, Nigeria

Nnah, M. B & Ahiakwo, A. A

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Abstract

This study investigated soil conservation practices utilized by crop farmers in Orashi Region of Rivers State consisting of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas. Data were collected using structured questionnaire based on 4-point Likert rating scale and interview schedule. A population sample of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents was selected to elicit information using the stratified sampling technique. Forty (40) crop farmers from each Local Government Area were selected for the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as the arithmetic mean. Findings show that more than half (76.7%) were married and 45.8% had formal education. Majority of the respondents were within the ages of 40-49 years. The type of soil conservation practices adopted were application of manure ( =3.37), planting of cover crops ( =3.73), use of multiple cropping system ( =3.93), use of reduced tillage methods/direct seeding ( =3.83), bush fallowing ( =3.86), incorporation of crop residue ( =3.74), mulching ( =3.85), construction of bonds/other structures ( =3.93), shifting cultivation ( =3.54), and crop rotation ( =3.53). The level of adoption and utilization of the identified measures tends to agree with the farmer’s year of experience, level of awareness of soil conservation measures, age-long cultural practices or cultural barrier and technical knowhow. The study concluded that government should enact favourable agricultural policies that will enlighten farmers on soil conservation practices in their cultivation exercise. The services of extension workers will be helpful in this direction.

keywords:

Soil, Conservation, Farmers, Adoption

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References:

Albert, C. O, Harry, A. T & Ishikaku, E. (2015). Constraints to adaptability strategies to climate
change variability by farmers in Ahoada-East Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Proceedings of 49 th Annual Conference of Agricultural Society of Nigeria, Delta State
University, Abraka. Pp. 261 – 264.

Albert, C. O& Nne-Cosy, J. (2014). Analysis of family planning programmes among rural
households in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Area, Rivers State. Agricultural Practice and
Science Journal, 1-2 (89 -90). 158 - 163.
Albert, C. O& Okidim, A. I. (2014). Climate change variability and mitigation measures by
rural dwellers: The perception of arable farmers. Journal of Agricultural Science, 6(1),
167 – 172.

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