Farmers’ Perception towards Organic-based Vegetable Produc-tion in Ilaro Agricultural Zone, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

It is well established that organic farming is a production system that sustain the health of the soils, ecosystems and people. This study assessed the small-scale farmers’ perception towards organic based vegetable production in Ilaro agricultural zone of Ogun state, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 85 respondents for the study. Data were obtained using a structured interview schedule. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that the mean age of the respondents was 30 years and 48.2% of the respondents were married. The major determinants of organic based vegetable production were information from extension agents (18.8%) and consumer’s requests (17.7%). Also, the respondent’s major perceived effect of organic vegetable production were; organic vegetable is environmentally friendly ( ̅χ=4.32) and free from any synthetic chemical ( ̅χ=4.10). There were significant association between educational status (χ²=1.923, df=5, p<0.05) and perceived effect of respondents. Also, there was positive and significant relationship between sources of information of organic vegetable production (r = 0.235*, p< 0.05), age (r = 0.195**, p< 0.05), and perceived effect of respondents. It was concluded that organic based vegetable production is a panacea for sustainable agriculture.