Challenges to Soil Erosion Control Measures among Farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria: Implications for Extension Policy

Subject Areas : Agricultural Extension

Eze  S.O ¹ (Dept of Rural Sociology and Extension, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria)
Mbah  E.N ² (Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria)

Received: 2015-12-24 Accepted : 2015-12-24 Published : 2013-12-01

Keywords: Nigeria, farmers, Erosion Control, Extension Policy,

Abstract :

The study investigated challenges to soil erosion control measures among farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Purposive, multistage and random sampling techniques were employed in selecting a sample size of two hundred and forty (240) respondents. Structured interview schedule was used for data collection. Frequency counts, percentage, mean scores and factor analysis were used for data analysis. The findings show that majority (54.6%) of farmers were within the ages of 40-59 years, while majority (57.9%) had either FSLC or WASE/ SSCE/ GCE/ O/L qualifications and 67.5% had estimated annual income of N51, 000.00- N200,000.00. The farmers reported that the major soil erosion control measures used were strip cropping (M=4.9) and making of ridges across slopes (M =4.8). The study revealed that the respondents were highly constrained by poor group affinity, lack of government support and inadequate institutional support. The study highlighted participatory extension policy through improved group mobilization; improved budgetary allocation to the local government and institutional re-orientation and synergy between the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Research institutes and Universities with the ADP. In conclusion, success in soil erosion control under the Anambra State ADP and participatory extension policy among farmers groups for food security in Nigeria depend on the extent issues raised and challenges thereof highlighted can be addressed.

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