Assessment of Land Degradation and Soil Conservation Management Practices among Farmers In Ifo Local Government Area Of Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on the assessment of land degradation and soil conservation practices among farmers in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. One hundred and fifty (150) respondents were randomly selected from various locations of significant incidence land degradation in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State. The result revealed that majority (93%) of the respondents were above 40 years of age. Ninety percent of them are married and 76% of them have no formal education. The soil conservation techniques practiced in the area are from physical, chemical and biological perspectives: The farmers are aware of the effects of land degradation on crop production. The result further showed that serious constraints include money/finance, nature of the land and decrease in crop production. The study further revealed that there is no significant difference between respondents’ level of education and land degradation. Based on the findings, it is recommended that farmers should be motivated to practice more soil conservation techniques through the provision of necessary incentives.