Soil Conservation and Water–Resources Management Techniques used by Small- Scale Rice Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

he study assessed s soil conservation and water – resources management techniques among small- scale rice farmers in Ebonyi State. A sample of 130 respondents generated via multi- stage, purposive and simple random methods were used. Data were generated through questionnaire and interview schedule and analysed using percentage and mean. Results, showed the indigenous methods for soil and water- resources management used by the rice farmers to include: construction of basin and flow walls ( x̄= 92.3%), construction of dikes (x̄ = 84.6%), ration- harvesting (x̄ = 73%), and compost- manuring ( x̄= 69%).Other indigenous methods used include: use of IPM ( = 65.4%), shifting cultivation and planting of trees ( x̄= 61.5%), crop rotation(x̄ = 57.7%) and Mixed cropping ( = 50.0%). Results on level of use of the Agronomical Best Environmental Management Practices (ABEMPs) through physical measures indicated that construction of bund- lines ( x̄= 3.23) and farm- drainage ( x̄= 3.00) were at high level of use, while levelling (x̄ = 2.96), dikes (x̄ = 2.77), stone- lines (x̄ = 2.39), terracing ( x̄= 2.15) were at moderate level of use and plastic mulching (x̄ = 1.85) was at low level of use. Equally, for biological measures mixed- cropping ( = 3.08) was at high level of use, while crop- rotation (x̄ = 2.80), planting of trees (x̄ = 2.62) and fallowcover (x̄ = 2.23) were at moderate level of use and incorporation of residues (x̄ = 1.92) was at low level of use. On the Best Agronomic Practice measures, results showed conservation tillage and liming (x̄ = 3.00) were respectively at high level of use, while mount- making / ridging (x̄ = 2.92), application of compost manure (x̄ = 2.62), use of IPM (2.62) and application of cow dung and poultry droppings (x̄ = 2.50) were at moderate level of use, while irrigation ( x̄= 1.77) and zero tillage (x̄ = 1.23) were at low level of use respectively. The indigenous and ABEMPs methods are geared towards stable renewable resource use through sustainable (soil and water- resources) management techniques. There should be enhanced farmer–scientist research collaboration to develop soil and water- resource management techniques for more sustainable for rice production in the study area.

Key Words: Indigenous ABEMPs, soil and water- resources, rice farmers.