Impact of mulching technology adoption on output and net return to yam farmers in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Soil erosion and nutrient depletion present a threat to the food security and sustainability of agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, limited rigorous empirical work on the economics of soil conservation exists. This study examines the factors affecting the adoption of mulching technology and its attendant impact on yam output supply and net returns among sampled yam farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. Probit model and propensity score matching were used to analyse the factors influencing the adoption of mulching technology and its impact on yam output and net returns among yam farmers respectively. The study shows that seed quantity and access to credit are the most significant factors influencing the adoption of mulching technology. Yam farmers in the study area who adopted mulching technology were found to experience a higher output supply than non-adopters, which resulted in a positive and significant effect on their output and net return. Hence, policies targeted at increasing yam output through increasing soil fertility need to include mulching technology as a potentially viable option.