Determinants of agricultural intensification among crop farmers in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the determinants of agricultural intensification among crop farmers in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State of Nigeria. Primary data, collected from a random sample of 70 crop farmers with structured questionnaire, were analysed by simple statistical tools and the multiple regression model. Results showed that farm output, number of soil management practices, farming experience, and years of education positively influenced agricultural intensification; while household size negatively influenced it. Farmers in the study area applied at least six soil management practices with bush fallowing, which has a mean of 5.15 years, taking the lead. Farm size was small, with a mean of 1.40 ha; while household size was large, with at least six persons. It was recommended that the farmers should be encouraged to use appropriate soil management practices,while appropriate educational facilities should be provided to further enhance human capacity building and skills acquisition by the farmers. Policies and programmes for counselling farm households on family planning, birth control measures, and soil conservation techniques were recommended.