ANALYSIS OF AGRO FORESTRY FARMERS (TREE-PLANTING) IN GIWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

ANALYSIS OF AGRO FORESTRY FARMERS (TREE-PLANTING) IN GIWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was carry out on Analysis of Agro Forestry Farmers (Tree-Planting) in Giwa Local Government area, Kaduna State, Nigeria.. The specific objectives were to describe socio-economic characteristics of agroforestry farmers in the study area, identify the types of trees that are commonly planted by the farmers and for what purpose, describe the socioeconomic and ecological benefits derived by the farmers through tree-planting as an agroforestry in the study area. Data collection for the study was through the administration of questionnaires to one hundred and twenty (120) farmers selected which involved eight (8) villages purposively selected out of twenty villages within Giwa Local Government Area (L.G.A.). The information obtained from the respondents include socio-economic data (age, sex, educational status, household size, farming experience, farm size membership of cooperative society and marital status), types of tree that are commonly planted by the farmers and for what purposes, the socioeconomic and ecological benefits derived by the farmers using agroforestry practice and the constraints militating against tree-planting as an agroforestry. The age of respondents ranged from below 30 years to 60 years and above with a mean of 40 years, while the average household size consists of 13 people. About 97.5% mostly plant neems, while only 8.3% plant mahogamy. The socio-economic and ecological benefits derived by farmers from the planted trees in order of priority include, firewood, shelter against wind, provision of shades, soil conservation, livestock feed, employment opportunities, erosion control as well as for recreation. The major constraints militating against tree-planting as an agroforestry practice include unavailability of tree seedling (94.40%), watering problem (73.40%), lack of credit facilities (68.20%), insufficient capital (66.50%), poor sources of information (54.50%), high pest and disease infestation (52.30%) and fencing problem (12.50%). In conclusion farmers need education and training in forestry/agroforestry practice. The farmers should be supplied with tree seedling. Tree planting/agroforestry should be introduced at primary, secondary school and at higher institutions of learning, political and religious leaders to initiate community tree planting as an agroforestry projects that could served as demonstration to farmers.

ANALYSIS OF AGRO FORESTRY FARMERS (TREE-PLANTING) IN GIWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

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