Iheke, O. R., Henry-Dennis, I. and Oke, U. R.
Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13125098
ABSTRACT
This study examined the determinants of farmers adoption of soil degradation preventive measures in Abia State, Nigeria. Primary data used in this study were collected using questionnaire that was administered to 120 randomly selected farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares regression method were used in analyzing the data. The result of the study showed that the major causes of soil degradation in the study area were: deeply excavated subsoil and overburden with materials, extremely eroded due to deforestation and loss of biodiversity leading to attendant soil loss. The impact of soil degradation on the income of farmers showed that 82.8% of the farmers responded to poor soil fertility; 81.08% responded to low farm income; 70.2% on loss of crop output/fruit trees; 66.6% on loss of farmlands and forest biodiversity. The various measures adopted by the farmers for the prevention of soil degradation in the study area with the cost implications of such adoptions were the use of organic manure with total cost incurred as ₦777,100 and average cost of ₦9,963 per farmer; planting of leguminous/cover crop with corresponding total cost incurred as ₦380,750: use of inorganic fertilizer and planting of trees with the corresponding average costs by individual farmers as ₦15,869 and ₦8,225, respectively. The determinants of adoption of soil degradation adaptation measures were income, education level, farming experience, extension contact, and age. Inadequate knowledge on how to cope with soil degradation, and limited income were the major constraints in remediating soil degradation. The study recommended the need for agricultural programme that will involve educating and empowering farmers on reducing soil degradation activities, government intervention in the remediation of soil degraded areas as this will reduce the high cost incurred by farmers in the use of soil conservation techniques.
KEYWORDS: Adoption, Soil degradation, Preventive measures