EFFECT OF INDIGENOUS AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ON RURAL SMALL-SCALE YAM FARMING IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The decline in yam production has been worrisome among small-scale yam farmers; however, the effect of the adoption of indigenous agricultural practices in yam production is yet to be adequately investigated. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of indigenous agricultural practices on rural small-scale yam farming in Ondo State. The multistage sampling procedure was employed in the selection of 150 yam farmers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed with descriptive statistics (frequency distribution counts, mean and standard deviation) and probit regression analysis. The results revealed that 69.3% of small-scale yam farmers were male, with an average age of 47.01±9.03 years, and the mean household size was 7.0±2.0 people, and 52.6% had no formal education. Common indigenous agricultural practices employed included mixed cropping, bush fallowing, use of organic fertilisers/manure, mulching, making of heaps and mounds, and communal labour arrangements. Findings showed that many farmers indicated that the application of indigenous agricultural practices in yam cultivation increases yam productivity. The probit regression analysis revealed that age of farmers, education, household size, non-farm income, access to inputs and cultivated farm size significantly influence adoption of indigenous agricultural practices at 5% level of significance. Indigenous agricultural practices were reported to improve soil fertility, structure, health and drainage, leading to an increase in yields. The study recommends that increased awareness about indigenous practices and improved access to finance and inputs be provided to support small-scale yam farmers.