Browsing by Author "Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin"
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Item Adoption of Biosecurity Measures against Avian-Influenza Outbreaks among Poultry Farmers in Jigawa State, Nigeria,(Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2020) Oladipo, Felix Olayinka; Bello, O. Gafar; Daudu, Abdulrasaq Kamal; Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Kareem, Oyedola Waheed; Olorunfemi, Oluwasogo David; Iyilade, AbigaelThe study examined the adoption of selected bio-security measures against avian-influenza (HPAI-A/H5N1) outbreaks among poultry farmers in Jigawa State, Nigeria. A total of 120 respondents selected through a multistage sampling procedure was used for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. Data collected were subjected to percentages, mean and binary regression. The study revealed that the high level of adoption on biosecurity measures of segregation and traffic control ( =2.82), medium level of adoption for cleaning ( =2.440) and low level of adoption for disinfection of the standard bio-security components (=1.290). There was a positive and significant relationship between some socio-economic characteristics (age, average monthly income, farming experience and membership of social group) and adoption of bio-security measures of poultry farmers. Constraints to adoption of biosecurity measure poultry tension/veterinary contact, lack of buffer areas ( =3.21) around the farm site and inadequate access to fund ( =3.21). Provision of accessible and affordable credit facilities by government to poultry farmers, and extension agents should intensify more effort on continuous training and constant veterinary services for poultry farmers in the study area towards increased capability to eradicate the negative effect of this acute and highly contagious viral disease on their means of livelihoodItem Assessing the Effectiveness of Extension Media in Disseminating Agricultural Innovations to Youth Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria(Production Agriculture and Technology Journal, 2016) Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Daudu, Abdulrasaq Kamal; Alabi, Afusat Adunni; Olabode, O. Seun; Olusola, M.RThe study identified appropriate means of disseminating agricultural innovation to farmers, the efficiency of these practice will enhance the level of agricultural productivity among youth farmers in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo state, Nigeria. A Multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 83 respondents for the study. A well structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, existing and sources of Information and Communication Technology facilities and the utilization level of ICT facilities by the extension agents. Descriptive and Inferential statistics (Pearson Product Moment Correlation) were used to analyze data. The mean age of respondents was 35years with an average of 12 years of farming experience and respondents had 9 years as mean years of formal education. The youth farmers need information mostly in areas of leadership skills development (97.6%) and marketing of agricultural products (91.6%). However, the youth farmers were usually deprived of adequate access to agricultural innovation due to poor access to timely information (85.9 %) and lack of involvement of youth in the development programme (83.9%) Moreover, extension media such as radio (WMS=4.30) and cell phone (WMS=3.77) were found to be effective in disseminating agricultural innovations to youth farmers in the study area. Results of Pearson Product Moment (PPM) showed that age (r=0.728***), years of farming experience (r =0.642***), household size (r =0.350***) and years of schooling (r =0.355***) were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) related with the effectiveness of the use of extension media in the dissemination of agricultural innovations to youth farmers. This study therefore recommends that adequate cooperation between youth farmers and extension agents is imperative especially through youth forums to allow adequate access to agricultural innovations which will invariably boost agricultural production as well as community development.Item An Assessment of Farmers' Involvement in Backyard Livestock Production Among Rural Households in Kwara State, Nigeria(Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension Research Studies, 2018) Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Omotesho, Kemi Funmilayo; Adebayo, Sijuwade Adebukola; Awoyemi, Adeseye Oluwasikemi; Olabode, Oluwabusayo SeunThis study analyzed farmers’ level of involvement in backyard livestock production. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select 160 respondents on whom a structured questionnaire was administered. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The mean age of the respondents was 43 years with an average monthly income of N24, 708 derived from backyard livestock production. Chickens, goats and Turkey were common livestock reared among the respondents with a percentage of 96.3%, 79.4% and 47.5% respectively. The respondents were more involved in routine activities such as feeding of livestock (Mean=3.05), Sanitation (Mean=2.72) and vaccination (Mean=2.49). The major constraints to backyard livestock production were Poor pricing, theft and lack of adequate finance. The study concluded that the level of involvement of farmers’ in the study area in backyard livestock production was low and was influenced by the farmers’ household size, years of experience and monthly income . It was recommended that extension agents should encourage the farmers to venture more into other livestock which can be useful in mixed farming.Item Assessment of the Cultivation of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables in Kwara State, Nigeria(Production Agriculture and Technology Journal, 2019) Omotesho, Kemi Funmilayo; Adesiji, Gbolagade Benjamin; Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Akinrinde, Adeniyi Felix; Ariyo, Folashade OIndigenous leafy vegetables have been displaced and neglected, leading to a decline in production, use, and conservation. This study examined the farmers’ awareness; assessed the level of cultivation of the vegetables and identified constraints to their cultivation. A three-stage random sampling technique produced a sample size of 160. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics, Multiple Regression Analysis, and the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation. Findings reveal that the mean age, average income and years of farming experience of the respondents were 49.56 years, ₦57,418 and 19.60 respectively. About 69 percent had secondary level education. Results also reveal a high level of awareness (88.94%) and a poor level of cultivation (M.S=1.61) of indigenous leafy vegetables. Poor demand (MS=2.95) was the most severe constraint to cultivation. At P<0.01, farmers’ level of education (β=-0.225), years of farming experience (β=-0.012), frequency of extension contact (β=0.154) and membership of farmer-groups (β=0.386) were the determinants of cultivation. The study concluded that the cultivation of indigenous leafy vegetables was low and influenced by farmers’ socio-economic characteristics. It advocates the provision of better processing and storage facilities. It also recommends increased extension contacts and further research on improved varieties of these cropsItem ASSESSMENT OF WOMEN INVOLVEMENT IN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus) PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION IN IJEBU-ODOGBOLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA(Agrosearch, Journal of Agriculture, food and Development, 2020-04) Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Awoyemi, Adeseye OluwasikemiThis study assessed the activities of women in processing and preservation of catfish in Ijebu Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. A three-stage random sampling technique was employed to select a total of 120 respondents for the study. The data collected were analysed with both descriptive statistics and correlation model. The mean age of the respondents was 54 years with a mean of nine years of catfish processing and preservation experience. The annual mean income was N107, 587.50. Findings also show that respondents’ levels of involvement in processing and preservation methods such as smoking and salting were high. There was a positive and significant relationship between respondents’ age (r= 0.003; p=0.034), annual income (r= 0.012; p=0.030), household size (r= 0.232; p=0.011) and their level of involvement in catfish preservation at 5% level of significance. The results of correlation analysis also show that a significant relationship exists between respondents’ perceived benefits and their level of involvement in catfish processing and preservation. The study concludes that, although the level of involvement of women in catfish preservation methods was high, low income was realized from the venture when compared with the minimum wage of N18,000 that government workers earn in the study area. It therefore recommends upgrading the methods and facilities used for the preservation and preserving catfish.Item Contributions of Local Soap-Making to Livelihoods of Rural Women in Selected Local Government Areas of Kwara State, Nigeria(Nigeria Journal of Agriculture and Food Environment, 2019) Adebayo, Sijuwade Adebukola; Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Ojo, B.J; Falola, AbrahamThe study assessed the contribution of local soap-making to the livelihood of rural women in selected local government area of Kwara State. One hundred and twenty women were selected from the selected local government areas. Data for the study was obtained with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings show that majority were married (75.5%), were within the age range of 61-70 (36.7%) and had primary and secondary education (64.2%). Majority of the respondents (93.3%) indicated that soap-making contribute between 50% and 75% to the entire household income. All of the respondents (100%) indicated that profit made from soap-making was used to buy raw materials for more production while 98.3% of the women indicated that the business made purchase of their working equipment possible. Local soap was mainly used for bathing (98.3%). Moreover, the problem of long hours spent in production was the major constraint to soap making (100%). Respondents’ age (r = -0.207), educational level (r = 0.281), and household size (r = -0.281) were significantly correlated with the contribution of local soap-making to livelihoods of the women. Therefore, the study recommends that the women be trained, and local market systems strengthened to promote high sales of, and profits from the local soap.Item DETERMINANTS OF ADOPTION OF LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN KOGI STATE NIGERIA: A GENDER ANALYSIS(Journal ofNigerian Journal of Agriculture, food and Environment, 2017-06) Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Oladipo, Felix Olayinka; Daudu, Abdulrasaq KamalThe study examined determinants of adoption of land management practices among male and female crop farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was employed for the selection of the respondents. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Data were collected from one hundred and sixty three respondents (163). The mean age of the male respondents was found to be 51 years while that of the female was 44 years. The mean total size land cultivated was 1.1 hectares for male respondents and 0.5 hectares for female respondents while the mean years of schooling for male and female farmers were 11.6 and 11.2 years respectively. Multi variant probit model was used to determine the factors that influence farmers’ adoption of the land management practices on their farm. Although the results revealed that farmers age, land size, household size, years of schooling, farming experience and technical know- how were factors that significantly influence land management practices among both genders, It was concluded that years of schooling improve the level of adoption of land management practices among the female farmers while among the male respondents their land size was a critical factor that influence their land management practices.Item Effects of Different Strategies Adopted by Rural Women on their Food Security in Oyo State(International Journal of Applied Agricultural and Apicultural Research., 2015-06) Okunade, Esther Omolabake; Olabode, O. Seun; Kayode, Ajoke OluwatoyinThe study assessed the effects of different strategies adopted by rural women on their food securityin Oyo State. Multistage sampling procedure was adopted for this research work. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binomial logit model. Majority (93.5 percent) of the sampled women were married, while 6.5 percent of them were widowed. The mean age was 49 years. Backyard farming (= - 1.000333343) had a negative but significant relationship to household food insecurity while reduction of meals (= 1.312270792) had a positive and significant relationship to household food insecurity. It was recommended that, program aimed at reducing poverty should be implemented in other to ensure that households were able to afford adequate meals also; backyard farming should be encouraged among rural women.Item FARMER’S PERCEPTION ON ORGANIC POULTRY PRODUCTION IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA(2017) Adisa, Rashid Solagberu; Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Abdulkareem, Hakeem OladimejiOrganic Poultry Production is a system devoid of the use of cages, synthetic antibiotics, genetically modified organism etc. This study assessed the perception of poultry farmers on organic poultry production in Kwara State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 158 respondents. Descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentages and mean score were used to collect data. The results of the analysis showed that 71.5% of the poultry farmers were males, the mean age of the farmers was 42 years, 85.4% were married while the mean years of education was 8.7 years. About 53.7% of the respondents were aware of consumer’s concerns about chemical residues in chicken. The more pressing constraints were lack of adequate information and awareness on organic poultry production. The study therefore concluded that the perception of poultry farmers to organic poultry farming in Kwara state is negative due to lack of adequate information and awareness. Therefore farmers and the general public need to be more enlighten by Agricultural agents and other relevant stakeholders on the health, nutritional benefits and management skills of organic poultry farming in the study area.Item Gender capacity building needs on soil fertility management practices among smallholder arable crop farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria(Journal of Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences King Saud University, Saudi Arabia., 2017) Daudu, Abdulrasaq Kamal; Oladipo, Felix Olayinka; Kayode, Ajoke OluwatoyinPoor soil fertility management practices are major reasons for slow growth in food production among smallholder farmers of sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. This study therefore assessed gender capac ity building needs on soil fertility management practices among smallholder arable crop farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A structured interview guide was used to elicit information from six hundred and fifty (650) respondents using three-stage sampling technique. Data collected were described using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation, charts and analysed using correlation and Borich model. The study revealed that mean age of the male farmers was 49 years while that of the female farmers was 45 years. Majority of the respondents (97.8% male and 76.7% female) were married, 49.8% male and 42.7% female respectively had one form of formal education or the other; capac ity building were perceived to be mostly needed in the areas of crop rotation (MWDS = 0.0102) for male and organic manuring (MWDS = 0.0082) for female farmers; and major constraints to both male and female farmers involvement in soil fertility management practices were limited income (male x = 3.65, female x = 3.50) and high cost of management (male x = 3.58, female x = 3.54). The study concluded both male and female smallholder arable crop farmers require capacity building on soil fertility management practices but female farmers required more than their male folks. It is therefore recommends an urgent need to intensify capacity building for farmers on soil fertility management practices by the extension agents especially where the capacity building is importantly needed in order to improve their knowledge and productivity.Item Gender differentials in the accessibility of farm inputs among arable crop farmers in Oyo state, Nigeria(International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, 2019-04) Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Okunade, Esther OmolabakeThe study assessed gender differentials in the accessibility of farm inputs among arable crop farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select two hundred and ten (210), farmers. Descriptive statistics was used to present the data and inferential statistics was used for data analysis. Male respondents have more access to farm inputs such as inorganic fertilizers (99.0%), while the female farmers had more of storage facilities (89.5%). Major constraints affecting access to farm input among the male farmers were inadequate extension contacts, (96.2%) while among the female farmers lack of capital (94.3%), was a major constrain. Access to farm inputs was significantly influenced by household size (0.050), years of education (0.371) and years of farming (0.768) while for female farmers it was age (0.047), household size (0.384), years of education (-0.312) and membership in farmers association (0.008). Female farmers were found to have poor access to farm inputs than their male counterparts. There is need for policy to address improved access to farm inputs for farmers and also extension agencies should disseminate adequate information on channels for farm inputs among both gendersItem GENDER GAP IN ACCESS TO PALLIATIVE MEASURES ON COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN OGBOMOSO AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA.(International Journal of Agric. And Rural Development, 2021) Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Orimafo, Patrick Kayode; Alabi, Afusat AdunniCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is continuing to spread around the world, causing hard times for many economies and sectors, including agriculture. However, the extent to which different gender (male and female) utilize palliative measures from various quarters in Ogbomoso Agricultural zone of Oyo State is unknown. The study therefore examined the gender differences in accessing palliative measures on covid-19 pandemic among rural households in Ogbomoso agricultural zone of Oyo. Multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 90 respondents for this study. The data were obtained with the aid of a questionnaire and data were analyzed using both descriptive (frequency count, percentage and mean) and inferential (Independent sample T-test) statistics using SPSS version 22. The result of the analysis showed that radio (WMS = 2.91) was the major source of awareness of Covid-19 pandemic among the male respondents while religious gathering (WMS = 2.96) was the major source of awareness of Covid-19 pandemic among the female respondents. It was also revealed that female had more access to palliative measures among rural households in Ogbomoso Agricultural zone of Oyo State. The result of independent sample T-test analysis indicated that female had a mean value of (16.22) in respect to their access to palliative measures as against mean value (14.49) recorded by their male counterpart. significant at 5% level. It was concluded that there is gender differences in accessing palliative measures among rural households in Ogbomoso Agricultural zone of Oyo State. Moreover, it was found that female had more access to palliative measures than their male counterparts. There is therefore need for all stakeholders in rural development to expedite efforts to address gender inequality in accessing palliative measures in the rural area since pandemics and outbreaks have differential impacts on women and men. Also, adequate representative and good-quality data is needed which allows for systematic research on equality in accessing palliative measures in the rural areItem INVOLVEMENT OF RURAL WOMEN IN ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES IN ASA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA(Nigerian Journal of Rural Sociology, 2019) Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Oladipo, Felix Olayinka; Omotesho, Kemi Funmilayo; Awoyemi, Adeseye OluwasikemiThis study assessed the level of involvement of rural women in the various entrepreneurial activities in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara state, Nigeria. Data were collected from 126 respondents and analysed with descriptive statistics and correlation. Data analyses revealed that the mean age of the rural women is 39.4 years with a mean years of entrepreneurial experience to be 10.7 years. Categorization of farmers’ level of involvement showed that rural women had low level of involvement in entrepreneurial activities with a mean of 1.59. Lack of capital (2.57) was identified as a major constraints in entrepreneurial activities Correlation analysis indicated that age (r = 0.246:p=0.06), Marital status(r = 0.176:p=0.002), Household size (r = 0.202:p=0.023), had a positive and significant effect on the level of involvement in entrepreneurial activities among the women , The study concluded that the level of involvement of entrepreneurial activities among women in the study area was low and therefore recommended that rural women should have access to financial support such as loans from banks and other stakeholders and also government intervention programmes such as N-power and Trader-moni in other to increase their level of involvement in entrepreneurship activities.Item MAPPING GENDER ROLES IN TOMATO PRODUCTION AND PRESERVATION IN AFIJIO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA(Journal of Agricultural Economics and Extension Research Studies, 2019) Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Alabi, Afusat Adunni; Okunade, Esther OmolabakeThis study examined gender roles in tomato production and preservation among producers in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling technique was used in selecting one hundred and sixty (160) tomato farmers. Questionnaire was used to collect data from the tomato farmers. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that males were predominantly involved in weeding (98.8%), females’ involvement was more in seed sowing (97.5%). Also from the results, lack of modern processing facilities ranked first by all the respondents as the most severe constraint militating tomato preservation while the major constraint to processing and preservation of tomatoes among both gender was lack of modern processing facilities. The Chi-square analysis on the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents with their roles in tomato production and preservation shows that household size (X2=3.92; P˂0.05) and years of farming experience (X2=8.37; P˂0.05) had significant relationship with the roles performed by male and female farmers in tomato production and preservation. The study concluded that although both genders participates actively in production and preservation of tomatoes in the study there are some roles that are male dominant. Therefore, it is recommended that intervention programmes should consider identified gender differences and other strategies in improving tomato production and productivity in the study areaItem POTENTIALS FOR THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF COCOYAM IN OYUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA(Journal of Tropical Agriculture, Food, Environment and Extension, 2020) Omotesho, Kemi Funmilayo; Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Adebayo, Sijuwade Adebukola; Akinrinde, Adeniyi Felix; Muhammed, Jamiuunderutilised, and non-commercialized in many parts of Nigeria. The study assessed the potentials for the commercialisation of cocoyam. Specifically, it assessed farmers’ awareness of the uses of cocoyam, level of cocoyam cultivation, farmers’ attitude towards its commercialisation, and the constraints to its commercialisation. . Descriptive statistics and the multiple regression analysis were used for data analysis. Results revealed that farmers’ mean age, farming experience and farm size were 53.9 years, 22 years, and 4.3 acres respectively. The level of awarenessof the uses of cocoyam was high (73.52%) and had an averagely positive attitude (mean score = 2.38) towards its commercialisation. Cultivation of cocoyam was mostly on a subsistence level among the farmers (97.3%). High susceptibility to pests and diseases (MS = 3.13) and a higher preference for other tuber crops (MS = 3.09) were the major constraints to the commercialisation of cocoyam. Farmers’ age (β = –0.008), level of education (β = –0.046), household size (β = –0.012), and frequency of extension contact (β = 0.018) determined farmers’ attitude towards its commercialisation. The study concluded that the potentials for the commercialization of cocoyam was appreciable in the study area. Findings underscore the need for research on cocoyam pest and diseases control as well as breeding of improved varieties of the plant by National Root Crops Research Institutes.Item Rural Women in Kwara State (Nigeria) and their Contributions to the Welfare of their Households(Journal of International Women’s studies, 2020-08) Falola, Abraham; Fakayode, Segun B; Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Amusa, Mujidat AThe high incidence of poverty in the rural households calls for a concerted effort by all members of the household, including the women. Meanwhile, the discussion on the economic contribution of rural women in many developing countries has largely focused on national and regional levels with little or no concentration on their impact at their immediate household level. Therefore, this study examines the contribution of rural women to household welfare in Kwara State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 160 women in the rural area of the state using structured interview schedule. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, index ranking and regression model. Results showed that the mean age of the women was 41.2 years, 61.3% were married, less educated and had an average household size of six persons. Their main source of income was agro-processing (54.4%), though they were pluriactive in nature. The mean income earned by the women was N15,344.65 ($42.62) per month. The major areas of contribution of the women to household expenditure were food (47.73%), clothing (12.13%) and children’s education (9.12%). The results further revealed that the significant factors influencing women’s contribution to households’ welfare in the study area were age, level of education, savings, remittances, training on enterpreneurship and access to credit. Therefore, measures that will increase the income generated by rural women should be put in place so as to boost their contribution to the welfare of their households.Item Socio-Economic Benefits of Oil Palm Value Chain Enterprises in Rural Areas of Kogi State. Nigeria(Production Agriculture and Technology Journal, 2016) Adesiji, Gbolagade Benjamin; Komolafe, Sola Emmanuel; Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Paul, Abiodun BAgriculture experts have expressed concern about oil palm potential in improving the socio-economic welfare of entrepreneurs in its value chain hence, this study focused on the rural areas of Kogi State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to obtain primary data from 237 respondents in three local government areas across the State using structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. Mean age of respondents was 43 years. 83.5% were married, and the mean household size was 7 people. Producers had the highest benefits in the area of ability to participate in cooperative contribution. Processors had the highest benefits in the area of saving money in banks and payment of health care charges while Marketers had the highest benefits in the area of ability to buy petrol for generator. Lack of improved varieties of seeds, high cost of milling machine and poor market price were the major constraints faced by the producers, processors and marketers respectively. Results of the inferential analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between household size and benefits from oil palm value chain enterprises (r = 0.277 at P<0.05). It was therefore concluded that there are lots of social and economic benefits in oil palm production, processing and marketing enterprises in the study areas. It is recommended that agricultural extension organizations should organize programmes that will educate and train oil palm farmers on the cultivation of improved seed and government should assist oil palm processors for easy access to milling machines at affordable price.Item USAGE OF AGROBIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PRACTICES AMONG FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA(Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development, 2020) Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Awoyemi, Adeseye Oluwasikemi; Adesiji, Gbolagade BenjaminThe use of agrobiodiversity practices is a key strat egy in adapting to climate change. This study determined the level of use of agrobiodiversity conservation practices, as sessed the benefits of using them and identified the constraints to doing so. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents who then took part in a structured in terview. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statis tics and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation. The results showed that the use of animal fertiliser and plant residues as bio-fertilisers (x̅ = 3.78) was a common biodiversity practice among farmers. 82.5% of the farmers used such practices to a minor extent. High production costs (x̅ = 2.56) and the lack of knowledge on using biodiversity practices (x̅ = 2.51) were major constraints to their use. Age, as well as the years of formal education and years of farming experience were sig nificantly related to the level of usage of agrobiodiversity practices. The study concluded that the farmers’ agrobiodi versity practice usage level was low and was influenced by their socio-economic characteristics. It is recommended that the government and other stakeholders provide the necessary facilities for using such practices. Extension agents should also familiarise farmers with the usefulness of agrobiodiver sity solutions.Item UTILIZATION OF SOIL CONSERVATION PRACTICES AMONG ROOT AND TUBER FARMERS IN OYUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE, NIGERIA(Agrosearch, Journal of Agriculture, food and Development, 2017-04) Oladipo, Felix Olayinka; Bolarin, Olufemi; Daudu, Abdulrasaq Kamal; Kayode, Ajoke Oluwatoyin; Awoyele, Peter OluseyiOne of the main reasons for the crop failure is underestimating the importance of soil status thereby causing mismanagement of the soil with inappropriate farming practices. This study therefore, assessed the soil conservation practices among root and tuber crop farmers in Oyun Local Government area of Kwara State, Nigeria. A two stage sampling technique was employed to select a total of 160 respondents used for the study. Data were collected and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 45.4 years with majority (69.4%) being male and about half (50.0%) had one form of formal education or another. Findings showed strong positive perception towards soil conservation practices using beneficial statement such as “Only farmers engage in soil management” (3.49±1.06), “Proper soil use is enhanced by tree planting” (3.81±0.83). Results showed that among the respondents mixed cropping (2.35±0.59), conservation tillage (2.26±0.77) and bush fallowing (2.21±0.74) were always used and ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. There were positive and significant relationship between respondents educational level (r= 0.089, p=0.000) and household size (r= 0.012, p=0.000) and their extent of usage of soil conservation practices at 5% level of significance. The study concluded that soil conservation practices were always used by root and tuber crop farmers and their perception were also positive towards it. It is recommended that root and tuber expansion programme should be strengthened and expanded to other communities that have not benefited from the programme