Economic analysis of land management practices among crop farmers in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Increase in soil degradation has negatively impacted on food production. This therefore necessitates sound land management practices. This study analyzed the economics of the land management practices among crop farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected with the aid of structured interview schedule from 80 respondents in four Local Government Areas of the state using a three-stage sampling techniques. Budgetary and multiple regression analyses were the analytical tools employed. About 63% of the farmers were male and 78.4% of them were above 38 years. Seventy-two percent of the farmers had secondary sources of income. The average gross margin of the farms was N48,456.56k. The total value product increases by a value of N4.90K for every N1 increase in the total variable cost. The study concludes that land management practices such as fertilizer application, length of fallow on land and length of tillage on land have a positive effect on crop output in the study area. Therefore, extension services should be intensified to disseminate modern ideas and technology in crop farming for greater productivity. Activities that promote soil tillage for crop production should be encouraged as this would increase crop output.

Keywords: Economic analysis, Land management, Fallowing, Crop output