Socio-economic determinants of farmland management practices in Umuahia north local government area, Abia state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the Socio-economic Determinants of Farmland Management Practices in Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. Specific objectives of the study were to ascertain Farmland Management Practices of the farmers and to determine the relationship between socio-economic characteristics and farmland management practices of the farmers. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and fifty farmers for the study.. Data collection was through the use of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were employed in the data analysis. The result showed that 58% of the farmers were females; 53% were within age range of 41 and 50 years; 60% were literate at primary school level; 56% were married; 53% had household size between 6 and 10; 40% had farm size of 0.1 and 2.5 ha., while 52% had between 1 and 15 years of farming experience. The regression analysis using double log as lead equation showed positive and significant relationship between farmer’s income, household size, level of education and farmland management practices at given level. The study recommended Environmental Education, Legislation, Strict Enforcement of Agro-Land Laws, and Establishment of Agro-Land Management Departments/Units in the Ministries of Agriculture as necessary for enhancement of Farmland Management Practices

Key Words: Farmland management practices, biological resources