Bush Burning and Rural Agricultural Production in Nigeria
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Date
2013
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Department of Sociology, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai
Abstract
The common method of clearing agricultural land in Nigeria by small scale farmers is bush burning. However, bush burning has its implication on lands. The survey reported in this study focuses on assessing the implications of bush burning on agricultural production and land in Afon District of Asa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. Copies of structured questionnaire were used to sample a total of two hundred (200) farmers. The study employs the use of descriptive statistical techniques such as simple percentages and cross tabulation to present the data collected. The result reveals that 80% of the farmers are engaged in bush burning to clear the land for cultivation and they do so because they believe it is the cheapest and easiest way to clear land. The result further reveals that 95% of the respondents have experienced bush burning destroyed their farms. About 5% claimed bush burning has never destroyed their farmland and believed bush burning is not causing any menace to farmland. The study concludes by given recommendations that there should be adequate awareness created by the government on the menace of bush burning on the agricultural land and that better alternatives to clearing of land for farming should be introduced to the farmers such as the use of tractors at subsidized rate.
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Keywords
Fire, Agricultural Land, Farming and Crops