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

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.