ملخص المقالة :
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.
المصادر:
1. Agbamu, J. U. (2006). The Communication Strategy in Nigeria’s Agriculture Development Programme; Essentials of Agricultural communication in Nigeria; Malthouce Press Ltd; Lagos; 108 -127.
2. Alimi, T. (1991). Influence of the socio-economic characteristic of small holder farmers on resources availability in farming; Rural Development in Nigeria; Journal of the Federal Department of Agriculture; Abuja, Nigeria, 4 (1): 1-5.
3. Anon, T. (1988). Techno-economic survey of Sokoto State; vol .11; Ministry of Economic Planning, Sokoto State, 10 pp.
4. Anyanwu, A. C. (1991). Land tenure and willingness of small farmers to engage in Co-operative soil conservation activities; An unpublished research Report Sponsored by and presented to the social science council of Nigeria/ food foundation on socio-economic development in Nigeria in the 1990s, 15 pp.
5. Asiabaka, C. C. (2007). The challenge of Research Extension Farmer Input system (REFILS) in Agricultural technology Development and Delivery in southeast Agro-ecological zone; paper presented at the 22nd Animal REFILS workshop, Awka Anambra state; 20 – 23, November, 15 pp.
6. Asiabaka, C. C. (2008). The need for Agricultural Extension policy in National Development ; A keynote Address; Developing Agricultural Extension Policy for Nigeria; proceedings of the 13th Annual National Conference of the Agricultural Extension society of Nigeria, 1-16.
7. Ayichi, D. (1994). Sustainability issues in agricultural technology transfer in Nigeria within the context of Agricultural Development programme (ADP) System; In: S. O. Afolaya and I. A. Akinbode (Eds.), Issues and Priorities for Nigeria’s Agricultural Extension in the twenty-first century; proceedings of the inaugural conference of the Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria, 77-85.
8. Blum, A. (1991). What can be learned from a comparison of the agricultural knowledge system? The case of the Netherlands and Israel. Agricultural Ecosystem and Environment, 3 (3): 325 - 339.
9. Daudu, C. K., Onyibe, J E., Jubrin, J. M and Adegbehin, J. O. (1999). Refocusing land management technology on farmers problems and capabilities; A Conceptual framework for extension intervention; The Nigerian Journal of Agricultural extension, 12 (2): 41-52.
10. Eze S. O. (2000). Factors limiting infrastructural development and extension contacts in farming communities in south-eastern Nigeria; Journal of Agri-Business and Rural Development, University of Uyo; Akwa Ibom State, 2: 103-109.
11. Igbokwe, E. M. and Okoye, T. K. (2000). Knowledge and perception of soil and water conservation methods among practicing and potential Extension Agents; A preliminary survey; Agricultural extension and poverty Alleviation in Nigeria; Proceedings of the sixth Annual National conference of the Agricultural Extension society of Nigeria, 124-130.
12. Madukwe, M. C. (1995). Agricultural extension systems and strategies in Nigeria’s rural development; In: E.C. Eboh, C.U.Okoye, and D. Ayichi (Eds.); Rural Development in Nigeria: concepts, processes and prospects; Enugu Auto-century publishing company, 265-273.
13. Madukwe M. C. (1996). Restructuring field agricultural extension services in Nigeria: issues and options; In: S. Fola Adedoyin and J.O.Y. Aihonsu (Eds.); Sustainable Development in Rural Nigeria. Proceedings of the eight Annual conference of the Nigerian Rural Sociological Association; Ago-Iwoye; Ogun State University, 314-320
14. Mbanefo, M. (1990). Women: A potent labour force in grassroot development In: Osita M. Ogbu; Benji O. Oyeyinka and Hasa M.Mlawa (Eds.), Technology and practice in Africa; IDRC, Otawa, Canada; 346 pp.
15. Negedu, S. (2007). Keynote Address, Agricultural Extension and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Proceedings of the 12th annual National conference of the Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria, 1-2
16. Ofomata, G. E. K. (1984). Use and misuse of Nigeria’s land resources: Erosion in the forest zoneof Nigeria paper presented at the 27th Annual conference of the Nigeria; Geographical Association; University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 15 pp. 17. Ofomata, G. E. K. (1987). Soil Erosion in Nigeria: The views of A Geomorphologist; University of Nigeria Inaugural lecture series; No 7. 18. Okafor, F. C. (1984). Population pressure; agricultural change and environmental Consequences in South Eastern Nigeria; social science research council; Joint Committee on African agriculture; Working paper No. 3; New York; 34pp. 19. Okoye, C. U. (2001). Modification of the application of soil erosion control technologies in subsistence agriculture; Agro-science. Journal of Tropical Agriculture, food, Environment and Extension, 2 (2): 62-69. 20. Okwu, O. J and Ejembi, E. P. (2001). The historical development of agricultural extension in Nigeria. Journal of Sustainable Tropical Agricultural Research, 1: 93-99. 21. Oti, N.N. (2002). Discriminant Functions for classifying Erosion Degraded Lands at Otarmiri South Eastern Nigeria Agro-science; Journal of Tropical Agriculture, Food, Environment and Extension, 3: 34-39. 22. Swanson, B. F, N. Rolling and J. Jiggins (1984). Extension strategies for technology utilization; In: Swanson B. E. (ed.), Agricultural Extension: A reference Manual; Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Rome, 89-107. 23. Utomakili, J. B and Abolagba, J. O. (1996). Conserving natural resources for sustainable agriculture in Nigeria: A case for improved extension services; The Nigeria Journal of Agricultural and Rural Development; Agricultural and Rural management Training institute, Ilorin, Kwara State, 1 (1): 11-20. 24. Uwakah, C. T., Uwaegbute, A. C and Madukwe, M. C. (1991). The role of women as farmers in Eastern Nigeria; Issues in Agricultural Development Winrock International Institute for African Development.
