Usage of indigenous production and preservation practices by maize farmers in Ugbokolo, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the usage of indigenous knowledge in the production and preservation of maize by farmers in Ugbokolo, Benue State, Nigeria. Maize farmers formed the population of the study, of which a sample of 148 respondents were selected. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that 61.3% of the respondents were male, the mean age was 51.02 years, 47.3% possessed primary education, the mean household size was 7 persons, mean farm size was 2.79 Ha, and the mean output was 7.241 bags (100kg bags). The most used indigenous production practices were early planting of maize (87.9%) and intercropping of maize (83.1%), while the most used preservation practices were sun-drying of maize cobs (79.9%) and storage of maize in sacks (69.6%). The major reasons for using indigenous knowledge were accessibility (71.3%), sustainability (66.7%) and affordability (64.0%). The major constraints to use of indigenous production and preservation practices in maize was lack of documentation of IK in maize (x ̅ = 1.93). Based on these findings, it was recommended that improved storage be introduced to the farmers, while IK is documented for the use of future generations.