FACTORS INFLUENCING ARABLE-CROP DIVERSITY AND RICHNESS AMONG SMALLHOLDERS IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Diversity of crop production is an essential strategy of improving biodiversity, sustaining livelihood and raising household income. This study was conducted to analyze the determinants of arable-crop diversity and richness among smallholder farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was used in the selection 514 crop farmers. Primary data were generated with well-structured questionnaires. Information collected was analyzed using Descriptive statistics, Shannon and Simpson Index, Poison and Tobit regression models. The results showed that the monoculture system was the predominant agricultural practice in the study area; 57% of the farmers practiced monocropping. The average values of Shannon index (0.27) and Simpson index (0.34) was estimated. Diversity index of 0.1-0.2 was 80% for Shannon and 72% for Simpson measures. The socioeconomic factors explaining the likelihood of crop diversity in the area include gender, marital status; education, farming experience, farm size, household size and membership of association. The value of diversity indices obtained in this study is an indication of biodiversity loss. This research demonstrates the need for policies that improve technical knowledge and raise awareness of crop biodiversity management. It also highlights the need for improved access to agricultural information, incentives for diverse farming units, and policy changes, particularly in land reform.