Authors: A.E. Adekoya, M.A. Ajayi

JEXT Vol.1(1) 2000: 98-104

Abstract

The continuous deterioration of the agricultural land resulting in low food output necessitated this study. One hundred and twenty farmers were selected for interview, using a systematic random sampling from the list of 360 registered farmers provided by the ADP officials. A list of ten management practices was drawn for the farmers to indicate their awareness and practice of each. The selected management techniques included agroforestry, farming across slopes, crop rotation, cover crop planting, manuring and mulching, irrigation, drainage, bush burning and planting trees to intercept wind. The data derived was analyzed using Chi Square and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC).

The study revealed that the level of awareness of the farmers was very high as they were aware of the techniques provided. It was equally discovered that their attitudes towards the techniques were more of neutral and a few favourable. Their practice of the techniques is however not high.

The hypotheses testing shows that age, gender, farm size and contact with Extension agents did not have significant relationship with awareness, while marital status, educational level and religion had significant relationship with awareness. Attitude and participation were significantly related while awareness and participation were not.

In highlighting the sources of information for the farmers’ awareness, extension agents and inter personal media were reiterated by the respondents. Sequel to the findings from the study. It is recommended that interpersonal media should be adequately utilized to increase the farmers’ awareness and incentives should be made available to encourage the farmers to further practice the techniques.

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