Effectiveness of Crop Farmers' Use of Indigenous Knowledge on Land Degradation Control Practices in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analyzed the effectiveness of the crop farmers' use of indigenous knowledge on land degradation control practices in Imo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 180 crop farmers for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean, percentages, and multiple regression analysis. Crop farmers perceived zero tillage to help in conserving soil texture (x̄=3.52), replanting of deforested areas enables them to maintain vegetative cover (x̄=3.45), use of organic manure to improve soil's organic matter contents (x̄=3.42) and controlling both water and wind erosions by making ridges (x̄=3.30) and rainwater harvesting (x̄=3.10) as highly effective in controlling soil degradation. Age, marital status, educational level, household size, monthly income, membership of association, extension contact and farm size) They significantly influenced their perceived effectiveness of using indigenous knowledge on land degradation control. The major constraints faced by crop farmers were inadequate funds to practice land degradation control practices (99.44%) and limited availability of farmland (98.31%), poor extension contact (86.44%), poor knowledge and education of land degradation control processes (86.44%), poor government support (81.92%) and poor access to information (75.14%). The study concludes that crop farmers experienced soil degradation and were practicing indigenous land degradation, although some factors constrained them. Therefore, crop farmers should come together to transform their indigenous knowledge and control practices, thereby discussing and looking for the best way to tackle their peculiar land degradation challenges.