Influence of Agricultural Extension Contact on Control of Farmland Degradation among Yam Farmers in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to investigate the influence of extension contact on control of farm land degradation among yam farmers. Eight rural communities were randomly selected for the study. From the eight communities one hundred and twenty (120) yam farmers were randomly drawn to compose the sample. Data were collected by use of structured interview schedule and analysed by mean, Chi square test and Pearson r. It was found that majority of the farmers were old (M =47.77) and below secondary education (M = 9.41). The mean number of extension contact had by the farmers was 3.93. The yam farmers agreed that land degradation could cause famine (M= 2.78), low yam yield (M= 2.71), low quality of yam (M= 3.14), and tussle and pressure on available land M= 2.51). There was a positive and significant relationship between extension contact and perception of the effects of farm land degradation on yam production (r = 0.87). There were significant relationships between number of extension contacts, and mulching (X2 =60.25, r= 0.71); organic manure application (X2 = 55.03, r = 0.68); and avoidance of bush burning (X2 = 86.40, r = 0.85). There was no significant relationship between extension contacts and terracing (X2 =15.95, r= 0.37). The study established that education campaign I the control of farm land degradation through avoidance of bush burning, use of mulching and organic manure. The education campaigns to control farm land degradation was effective in the study area.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n2p33