AWARENESS AND PRACTICES OF ORGANIC FARMING AMONG RURAL FARMERS IN AKINYELE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA
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Date
2018
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Published by Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port- Harcourt, Rivers state Nigeria.
Abstract
This study examined the awareness and practices of organic farming among rural farmers in
Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo state, Nigeria. The study made use of interview schedule,
which was administered to a sample of one hundred and twenty (120) rural farmers. The data
collected were subjected to both descriptive (such as percentages, frequency, and means) and
inferential statistics such as Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Chi-square.
Findings showed that mean age of respondent was 52 years, majority were males (73.3%), married
(88.3%) and had primary school education (51.7%). Majority of the respondents were aware of
organic farming practices while mixed cropping (MS=3.92) had the highest level of usage. The most
used source of information on organic farming practices was radio (75%), other farmers (80.8%),
extension agents (65.0%), friends and relatives (70.0%). The major constraint to organic farming
practices was lack of financial support (MS=3.83). There was significant relationship between socio
economic characteristics of the respondents (such as education (r=0.243, p=0.008), farm size
(r=0.204, p=0.051), contact with extension agents (r=0.212, p=0.020) and membership of
cooperative (r=0.183, p=0.044) and the usage level of organic farming practices. There was also a
significant association between awareness and usage level of practices (such as improved varieties
(X2=41.994, p=0.000), minimum tillage (X2=27.772, p=0.034) and crop rotation (X2=44.824,
p=0.000). The study concluded a high rate of awareness on organic farming practices but a low
level of use of organic farming practices. The study recommends that government should consider
granting incentives to the farmers in form of credit; extension agent should work towards increasing
the knowledge of the farmers on the importance, benefits, and use of organic farming practices.
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Keywords
Awareness, practices, organic farming