Use of Conservation Practices among Arable Crop Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Conservation practices are tools used to help conserve and improve natural resources necessary to maintain sustainable arable crop production. This study assessed the extent of use of conservation practices among arable crop farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling procedure was used in selecting 200 arable crop farmers. Data were collected through the use of a structured interview schedule. Percentages and mean statistic were used in presenting the results. Findings showed that the major conservation practices adopted by arable crop farmers were mulching (100%), crop rotation (100%), ridging (100%), bush following (99.0%) and mixed cropping (99.0%). The most frequently utilized conservation practices were ridging (95.0%), mulching (91.0%) and mixed cropping (89.9%). Population pressure on land (𝑥̅=3.77) and availability of funds (𝑥̅=3.74) are factors influencing the effective use of conservation practices. The results further revealed that longterm continuity of yield from land (𝑥̅=2.84), long-term sustainability and productivity of land (𝑥̅=2.76) and increased yields (𝑥̅=2.69) were reasons for conservation practices by arable crop farmers. To ensure improvement in yields, arable crop farmers should be extensively encouraged through access to land and funds to promote the adoption of conservation practices.