THE USE OF AGRO- BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PRACTICES AMONG FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

The use of agro-biodiversity practices are key coping strategies in adapting to climate change. This study determined the level of use of Agro- biodiversity conservation practices, assessed the benefits of the practice and identified constraints to its use. A three- stage sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents on which a structured interview schedule was administered. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation were used for data analysis.  Results shows that the use of animal dungs and plant residues as bio-fertilizers  was common biodiversity practice among farmers. 82.5% of the farmers were in the low level of use of these practices.  Constraints such as high cost of production lack of awareness of the use of these practices, were major constraints to the use of biodiversity practices. Age, years of schooling years of farming experience were significantly related to level of usage of Agro biodiversity practices. The study concludes that the level of use of Agro biodiversity practices among farmers was low and influenced by socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers. It recommends that government and other stake holders should provide necessary facilities for this practice. Extension agents should also sensitive farmers on the usefulness of Agro-biodiversity.