ANALYSIS OF AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES ENGAGED BY RURAL FARMERS` IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

  • C. R. Okonya-Chukwu Department of Agricultural Extension; Federal University of Technology, Owerri
  • A. O., Chukwu Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development; Imo State University, Owerri.
  • G. C. Onubuogu Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development; Imo State University, Owerri
  • J.C Nwaiwu Department of Agricultural Economics Extension and Rural Development, Imo State University, Owerri
Keywords: agroforestry, practices engaged, rural farmers, Ebonyi State

Abstract

The study analyzed the effects of agroforestry practices engaged by rural farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Agroforestry practices have the potentials to improve environmental and socio-economic welfare of the farmers. Hence, this study specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of the rural farmers; ascertained the rural farmers’ perception of agroforestry practices; ascertained the agroforestry practices engaged in by the rural farmers. The hypothesis tested is; the socioeconomic characteristics of the rural farmers do not significantly influence their agroforestry practices. Multistage sampling technique was used in the selection of agroforestry farmers. A total of 351 farmers were sampled using structured questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result revealed that 68.7% of the farmers were males. The mean age was 48.5years. Majority (72.4%) were married, having an average household size of 5 persons. On education of the farmers, 91.5% of them received formal education, with an average farm size of 1.2ha and average monthly income of N67,523. Majority (71.5%) were members of social organization, with 89.5% having access to extension service, while 62.1% and 34.2% accessed agroforestry information from Ebonyi State Agricultural Development Programme and Agrodealers respectively. Increased farm productivity ( = 3.6), and increased household income ( = 3.5), amongst others, were the dominant perceptions of respondents on agroforestry practices used, while taungya farming (76.9%) and home garden (72.1%) were the dominant agroforestry systems practiced. The regression result showed that the coefficients for education, household size, farm size, monthly income and extension contact were the socio-economic characteristics that influenced agroforestry practices. There were many types of agroforestry practices for the farmers and their socio-economic characteristics significantly influenced the practices. The study recommended the improvement of farmers’ education and extension service delivery which in turn enhances agroforestry practices in the study area.

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Published
2022-08-13
How to Cite
Okonya-Chukwu, C. R., Chukwu, A. O., Onubuogu, G. C., & Nwaiwu, J. (2022). ANALYSIS OF AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES ENGAGED BY RURAL FARMERS` IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA. GPH-International Journal of Agriculture and Research, 5(08), 31-41. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6988715