Assessment of the Cultivation of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables in Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Production Agriculture and Technology Journal
Abstract
Indigenous 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 crops
Description
Keywords
Cultivation, Decline in production, Indigenous leafy vegetables, Constraint to cultivation.
Citation
Omotesho, K. F, Adesiji, G. B., Kayode O. A., Akinrinde, A. F., & Ariyo, F. O (2019): Assessment of the Cultivation of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables in Kwara State, Nigeria Production Agriculture and Technology Journal 15 (2);192-202