IJAER

International Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Research™

ISSN 2455-6939

Title:
SOIL EROSION, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY AND FARMERS ECONOMY IN AFIKPO SOUTH L.G.A OF EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

Authors:
Chukwu-Okeah, G.O; Nwapili, C.S and Imiete, G

Abstract:
The study was set out to evaluate soil erosion and farmers economy in Afikpo-South local Government Area of Ebonyi state. The objectives of the study include determining the impact of soil erosion on the farmer's income level, examining the extent of soil erosion impacts on Crop productivity and identifying the causes of soil erosion in the area. The study made use of the cross sectional research design which enabled the use of questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. 285 farmers were sampled for the study which was drawn from a list of registered farmers in the seven sampled communities in the study area. The data was presented using tables and the hypotheses were tested using the Chi-Square analytical tool. The findings of the study showed that good numbers of farmers have experienced soil erosion and that 66.3% of the total farmers in the area had cases of soil erosion more than three times, heavy rainfall/flooding are the major cause of soil erosion in the area and is ranked the first amongst other identified parameters. Changes in soil fertility status is a major effect of soil erosion as revealed by the study, furthermore soil erosion affects farmer's economy and increases hardship as well as brings about a reduction in the income level of farmers. The study recommended that awareness and enlightenment programmes be carried out among farmers in the area on the short and long term impacts of land degradation and that farmers should be encouraged to do more of alley farming to reduce the losses arising from soil erosion.

download full text