ANALYSIS OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS’ USE OF ORGANIC FARMING PRACTICES IN SOUTH – SOUTH, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study analyzed organic farming practices among rural households in SouthSouth Nigeria. The study determined the  level of awareness and use of organic farming practices in the study are, identified the sources of information on organic farming practices; assessed farmers perceived benefits of organic farming practices; identified constraints to organic farming and determined strategies for the improvement of organic farming practices. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 464 crop, livestock and fish farmers and were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as frequency table, percentage, mean and bar charts, ordinary least square multiple regression, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Z-test. The level of awareness of organic farming was generally low. Among crop farmers, farmyard manure ( =2.79), intercropping ( = 2.58), bush burning ( = 2.50), and mulching ( = 2.50) were practiced. The highly used organic farming practices among livestock farmers were adequate feeding ( = 2.65) and fresh drinking water ( = 2.77). The fish farmers used eco-friendly design ( = 2.56), locating site far away from polluting substances ( = 2.57) and protection of pond from predators ( = 2.70). The level of use was determined by the socioeconomic variables of sex, education, farming experience and income. They were constrained by non-availability of organic farming policy, poor governmental support, political and social factors, low awareness, poor marketing etc. Based on the findings, the following recommendations among others were made. Organic farming practices should be included in the curriculum of agricultural science undergraduates and there should be the organization of capacity building programmes for extension agents to develop the knowledge, skills and attitude needed for training farmers on organic farming practices. 

Keywords: Organic farming practices, use, rural households, livestock, fishery and crop production, South-south Nigeria. 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Content                                                                                                      Page

Title                                                                                                          i

Certification                                                                                              ii

Dedication                                                                                                 iii

Acknowledgement                                                                                     iv

Abstract                                                                                                    viii

Table of contents                                                                                       ix

List of tables                                                                                             xiv

List of figures                                                                                            xvii

CHAPTER ONE: Introduction

1.1     Background of the study                                                                  1

1.2     Statement of problem                                                                       8

1.3     Objectives of the study                                                                     15

1.4     Hypothesis                                                                                      15

1.5     Justification  of the study                                                                  16

1.6     Scope of the study                                                                                 17

CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review

2.1     Organic farming- concept, principles and prospects                           18

2.1.1  Concept of Organic Farming.                                                            18

2.1.2  Principles of organic farming in Developing countries                       21

2.2     Origin and development of Organic Farming                                    24

2.2.1 Origin of organic farming	24
2.2.2  Organic Farming Development in Nigeria	26
2.3     Organic Farming- Solution to Food Problem in Nigeria.	28
2.4     Relevance and disadvantages of organic agriculture	31
2.4.1 Relevance of organic agriculture	31
2.4.2 Disadvantages of organic farming 2.5     Organic livestock and fish farming and their challenges in	40
developing countries	43
2.5.1 Organic livestock farming	43
2.5.1.1 Key Considerations in Organic Livestock Production	46
2.5.1.2 Problems in Developing Organic Animal Husbandry	49
2.5.2    Organic Fish and farming	56
2.5.2.1 Organic Fish	56
2.5.2.2 Organic fish farming	57
2.6     Concept of Rural Area	58
2.6.1 Characteristics of Rural Area	60
2.6.2  Importance of Rural Areas.	67
2.6.3  Problems of Rural Areas	69
2.7     Theoretical Framework	71
2.8    Conceptual framework	73

 

 

CHAPTER THREE: Methodology

3.1     Study Area	76
3.1.1  Akwa-Ibom State	78
3.1.2  Bayelsa State	80
3.1.3  Cross River State	82
3.1.4  Delta State	84
3.1.5  Edo State	87
3.1.6  Rivers State	89
3.2     Sample and sampling procedures	91
3.3     Data Collection	93
3.4     Measurement of Variables	94
3.5     Standardization of the Research Instruments	96
3.5.1  Validation of the Data Collection Instrument	96
3.5.2  Reliability of the Data Collection Instrument	97
3.6     Method of Data Analysis CHAPTER FOUR: Results and Discussion	97
4.1     Socio-economic characteristics of respondents	108
4.1.1            Sex	108
4.1.2            Age	109
4.1.3            Marital status	110
4.1.4           Level of education	111
4.1.5          Religion	112

4.1.6          Farming experience                                                                    113

4.1.7          Farm size                                                                                   114

4.1.8          Household size                                                                           117

4.1.9          Membership of farmers association                                             118

4.1.10        Aims of production                                                                    119

4.1.11        Annual income                                                                           120

4.1.12         Contact with extension agents                                                    121

4.2              Awareness of organic farming practices among crop, livestock

and fish farmers.                                                                       122

4.2.1            Awareness of Organic Farming Practices                                  122

4.2.1.1        Awareness of organic farming practices among crop farmers   122

4.2.1.2         Awareness of organic farming practices among livestock            124

 

4.2.1.3         Awareness of organic farming practices among fish farmers       126

4.2.2           Level of awareness of organic farming practices                          128

4.2.2.1      Level of awareness of organic farming practices among                128                               crop farmers

 

4.2.2.2:       Level of awareness of organic farming practices

among  livestock farmers                                                             130

4.2.2.3       Level of awareness of organic farming practices among

fish farmers                                                                                 133

 

4.3                   Use/level of use of organic farming practices among crop,          134

livestock and fish farmers in South-South Nigeria

 

• 1: Use of organic farming practices                                                  135

4.3.1.1         Use of organic farming practices by crop farmers                       135

4.3.1.2:        Use of Organic Farming Practices by livestock farmers             137

4.3.1.3:        Use of organic farming practices among fish farmers                  139

• 2: Level of use of organic farming practices                                    141
  • 1: Level of use of organic farming practices among crop farmers 141

4.3.2.2:        Level of use of organic farming practices among livestock

farmers                                                                                       147

4.3.2.3:        Level of use of organic farming practices among fish

farmers.                                                                                      151

• Information sources        154
  • Sources of information on organic farming to farmers in

South-south Nigeria                                                                 155

• Frequency of use of information sources.  158
• Information source use factor    161

• Perceived benefit of organic farming practices  163
• Constraints of organic farming practices  167
• Suggestions for the improvement of organic farming

practices.                                                                                 170

• Hypotheses of the study 172

CHAPTER FIVE: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

• Summary  195
• Conclusion            201
• Recommendations 201

References                                                                                        203

Appendix

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    Background to the Study

The main stay of Nigeria economy is agriculture. It is the major means of livelihood to about 70% of the populace who reside in the rural areas, peri urban and urban areas (World Bank, 2001). Agriculture accounts for over 38 percent of the non-oil foreign exchange and employs about 70 percent of the active labour force of the population (Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) 2004). It is expected that with this high level of involvement in agriculture, food production should meet the need of the populace but the reverse is the case. In order to increase food production to meet the need of the world ever growing population, the use of agro-chemicals was adopted. Despite the apparent boost of crop and animal production by the use of synthetic fertilizers and other agro – chemicals, a number of side effects have been recorded in recent times. According to Smil (2001) the inorganic fertilizers used to increase crop yield are leached and washed away by erosion to rivers causing water pollution which is dangerous to aquatic life and human health. Most of the synthetic fertilizers and other agro-chemicals that are used are manufactured using resources such as fossil fuel which are not renewable and using such resources can cause pollution and contribute to environmental degradation (Oyesola & Obabire,

2011).

Organic farming represents a deliberate attempt to make the best use of local natural resources and is an environmental friendly system of farming.  It relies much on ecosystem management which excludes external input, especially the synthetic ones. Anderson, Jolly & Green (2005) stated that organic farming is a production system that excludes the use of synthetically manufactured fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives. The system relies on crop rotation, crop residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, off-farm organic wastes, mechanical cultivation and biological pest control to maintain soil tilth. Organic farming technology is generally regarded as the solution to environmental problems that are related to agriculture as well as food safety (Agbamu, 2002). Also, Conor (2004) pointed out that organic farming was developed as a response to what was perceived to be polluting food supply by modern farming methods and the ensuing degradation of the environment with chemical and other by-products of the industry. Two farming systems (organic and conventional) studied at farm level in Central Italy emphasized differences on soil quality (Adebayo & Oladele, 2014). The work revealed that organic management affects soil microbiological and chemical properties by increasing soil nutrient availability, microbial biomass and microbial activity, which represent a set of sensitive indicators of soil quality (Marinari, etal., 2006). Rigby & Caceres (2001) reported that organic agriculture tends to conserve soil fertility and system stability better than conventional farming systems. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations regards organic agriculture as an effective strategy for mitigating climate change and building robust soils that are better adapted to extreme weather conditions associated with climate changes (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement 2009; Pretty, 1999).

The past decades have been characterized by public concern towards nutrition, health and food safety issues (Crutchfield et al., 2000). As a result, consumers perceive relatively high risks associated with the consumption of conventionally grown produce compared with other public health hazards (Williams &

Hammitt, 2000). Fruits and vegetables produced organically as observed by Mitchell et al., (2007) have increased levels of flavonoids which are reported to protect against cardiovascular disease (Hertog & Hollman, 1996) and to a lesser extent against cancer and other age related diseases such as dementia (Commenges et al, 2000).

The description of organic farming above has led to several interests in the farming practices. At the second national conference on organic agriculture  held in Nigeria under the auspices of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) the participants were charged with the responsibilities of developing organic farming in Nigeria (IFOAM, 2007).

The major goal of organic farming activities is a sustainable production of food with little or no effect on the environment. This goal and many others have not been achieved by conventional farming hence the need to encourage organic farming which is capable of providing solutions to the current environmental challenges like the climate change and environmental hazards and also help to achieve maximal production of quality food sustainably (IFOAM, 2005). Organic farming is beneficial in agriculture because it provides basis for healthy food and healthy living. Organic farming practices ensure and sustain bio- diversity. Organic farming integrates agro bio diversity and soil conservation and takes low intensity farming a step further by eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and genetically modified organisms, which is not only an equipment for human health and agro bio- diversity but also for the associated off farm communities. Food and Agriculture Organization ((2008) clearly states that organic agriculture promotes ecological resilience, improves bio-diversity, healthy management of farm and surrounding environment and building community knowledge and strength. The benefit of organic farming in fauna and flora activities is well documented. Stolze (2000) reported that organic farming clearly performs better than conventional farming in respect to floral and fauna diversity. Organic farming conserves soil fertility and system stability (Rigby & Caceres, 2001).

Gbadegesin (2013) in his keynote address at the 9^th National Conference on organic agriculture observed that most organic agriculture practitioners have revealed the ability of organic agricultural practices to sustain environmental resources and provide healthy and safe foods.  He emphasised that in Nigeria and many developing countries, organic agriculture is just developing and there is need to fast track this development.

There are evidences that organic farming shows better performance in case of organism abundance and species diversity. The work of Fuller et al., (2005) revealed that organic farming increases insect pollination and overall specie richness. According to him, the number of arthropods and earthworms were more abundant in organic than in conventional agro-system of different types of orchards and vineyards. Further, they revealed that organic farms provide better benefit for a range of wild life (including wild flowers, beetles, spiders, birds, and bats) than their counterparts. They found out that organic fields were estimated to hold 68-105% more plant species than non-organic field, support 548% more spiders in pre harvest crops, 16-62% more birds in first winter and 675% more bats.

Organic agriculture is gaining momentum in Africa as it is increasingly seen as significant for addressing food insecurity, land degradation, poverty and climate change (IFOAM, 2005). Research and specific experiences of farm families engaged in organic agriculture show that organic agriculture offers African small holders and farm family a wide range of economic, environmental and social benefits by -:

1. increasing yields in the long run through the use of affordable inputs largely based on local biodiversity,
2. improving livelihoods and food security,
3. building resilience to climate change,
4. reducing financial risk by replacing expensive chemicals input with locally renewable resources,
5. integrating traditional farming practices,
6. allowing farmers access to new markets opportunities both at home and abroad,
7. combating desertification,
8. providing much greater resilience of the farming systems in times of climate extremes such as drought and heavy rains,
9. improving human health and maximising environmental services; and
10. contributing to climate change mitigation as it reduces green house gas emissions and affordably sequesters carbon in the soil.

(www.ifoam.org/en/benefits–organicagriculture).

Organic agriculture differs from conventional agriculture not only in principles and practices but also fundamental:

1. implementing organic principles and practices seem to provide a new quality on how the agro ecosystem bio-diversity work.
2. organic farming improve soil fertility in an eco-friendly manner and consistently respect ecological principles, practices and ethics.
3. the uniqueness of organic farming is centred on various standards, ethics, laws and regulations that almost all synthetic chemicals and associated inputs are prohibited while soil fertility is built on crop rotation practices.

According to Gbedegesin (2013), Opinion poll conducted in the United Kingdom MAFF project in 2000 revealed that about 50% of the people believe that foods produced by traditional methods are more nutritious than conventional products. Most people consider organic production as better for the environment.

The population of Nigeria is put at a total of 140,003,542  with rural dwellers forming over 50% of the total (NPC, 2006).  A rural household is defined as a group of people who feed from the same pot. The major activities carried out by the rural populace are agriculture-related (Akpabio, 2005). This fact was supported by other authors who identified agriculture as the major sustainable livelihood activity of the rural people (Asiabaka, 2002; Ekong, 2010; and Mgbada, 2010). Ozor et al., (2010) observed that 71 percent of rural households in southern Nigeria have farming as their major occupation. Rural dwellers therefore provide the bulk of food which is consumed for good health, they also provide raw materials and produce crops for export. In developed countries, buyers take note of what they consume whether organically or conventionally cultivated. The agricultural practices engaged in has effect on the products produced, consumed and the environment. One of the targets of the Millennium Development Goals is to ensure environmental sustainability. (MDG Report, 2010).  According to Agbamu (2002) organic farming technology is frequently regarded as the solution to environmental problems related to agriculture and safety.  

1.2     Statement of Problem

Over the past 30 years, public interest in organic food and organic farming has been increasing in the United States. This is evident by the increases observed in consumer demand for organically produced foods and the number of public funded research and policy projects pertaining to organic food production (Whitney, 2009).  According to Crutchfield et al., (2000) the past decades have been characterized by escalating public concern towards nutrition, health and food safety issues. Consumers perceive relatively high risks associated with the consumption of conventionally grown produce compared with other public health hazards (Williams & Hammit, 2000; 2001).  The case is not different in Africa and developing nations like Nigeria (IFOAM, 2007). Before now, the challenge of food insecurity and increasing population called for measures to increase food production by all means thus farmers were encouraged to embrace conventional farming practices. Traditional farming practices were considered as not good enough and will not yield enough result to cater for the people‘s need and solve the problem of hunger (Okoye, 1989). He also noted that a nation which depends on traditional agriculture is inevitably poor. The use of fertilizer and other forms of inorganic substances to boost crop and animal production were introduced based on the above assumption. However, in recent years, a number of interrelated crises have caused concern; one of such is the global climate change. The attention of all has mostly been on trying to protect those most vulnerable to food security primarily by creating long term strategies to ensure food for increasing number of hungry people. The main focus in the bid to tackle hunger has been on how to produce enough food on a global level for a growing population with the use of chemical inputs and genetically modified and high yielding varieties of crops and animals.

Organic farming has been regarded as low yielding and unproductive (Okoye, 1989) It is even seen by some people as a luxury production for the few who can afford to pay extra for its products. According to Halberg, Paramaiyan & Walaga (2009), organic farming is seen as a luxury when limiting the understanding of organic to an export production of certified organic products such as special tea, fruits and the like from the global south to the wealthy North and West. Certified Organic farming is seen as being driven and supported by political, cultural, economic, social structures that are located within western ideologies and practices (Vaarst, 2010)

When organic farming is understood in the light of the above descriptions, the misconception of it as expensive and non productive may arise.

Evidence abound that prove that it is a false conception especially when talking about sustainable agriculture. Halberg et al., (2006) (a) emphasised that organic agriculture does not increase food security problems but on the contrary present solutions to them both in terms of increased productivity and of improved access to food. Even though there are literatures supporting drop in yield when converting chemical farming system to organic production. Several studies show that yield often more than double through consciously building up of soil fertility using purely non-chemical methods (Pretty & Hine, 2001;  Halberg et al 2006 (b); Pretty et al 2006; Badgly et al, 2007;). Also, use of organic farming methods can maintain or even increase the fertility of the soil while producing healthy, diverse food locally for people (Pretty et al, 2006). Organic farming contributes to the idea of a farming and food system that is sustainable, meaning one which can be seen as meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the possibilities of the future generations to meet their own need. The evidences presented from a recent study by UNCTAD-UNEP (2008) support the argument that organic agriculture can be more conducive to food security in Africa than most conventional production systems and that it is more likely to be sustainable in the long term. This corresponds with the findings of the Food and Agricultural Organizations of the United Nations (FAO) international conference in organic agriculture and food security held in May 2007. Orji (2013) outlined reasons why people choose organic farming to include the following:

1. Organic growing increases and up-builds soil structure and fertility. It does not pollute the rivers and other water resources.
2. It is safe and friendly to the environment.
3. It provides long-term benefits to humans and to animals.
4. It re-cycles and re-uses locally available resources.
5. It provides tasteful and nutritious food crops at the best affordable prices.
6. It uses natural and non-chemical means to control farm pests, diseases and
7. Organic farming has real concerns and re-assurances of the natural rights and welfares of farm animals.
8. It is an inexpensive modern system of farming that anyone can afford.
9. It relatively brings in higher incomes for farmers, even at local community … etc,

Considering the benefits of Organic farming, Vaarst (2010) encouraged decision makers and development practitioners in Africa and around the world to take a new look at this promising production system – Organic farming with fresh eyes. According to him, it offers not only improved food security but also an array of other economic, health and social benefits. Organic Agriculture has shown over the years that it has the capacity to influence ecosystem to better adjust to the effect of climate change and also offers potentials to reduce emission of agricultural green house gas. In addition to its potential beneficial effect on the environment, consumers are attracted to organic food stuff because of the positive health effects due to the absence of pesticide or artificial hormones. The work of Chihabra etal., (2013) reveals the detrimental effect of pesticides application to include disruption of neuro-endocrine signalling or development of cancer depending on the particular class of pesticide.

Studies have shown also that organically grown foods are more nutritious, safe and of high quality. They are therefore more important in ensuring human health compared to foods grown under conventional methods (Bavec, 2006;

Worthington, 2001)

Human survival demands that environmental consideration should be paramount in pursuit of development. Any development that threatens the integrity of the environment must not be adopted or encouraged. Sustainable agricultural system must address the issue of environmental, social and economic sustainability in its approach.

A review of previous studies on organic farming practices show that little effort has been made by researchers to capture South-south agro-ecological zone. The study of Adebisi, et al., (2010) investigated factors influencing the awareness and use of organic farming practices by horticultural farmers in Oyo state, South-western Nigeria. The work of Adebayo & Oladele (2013) analysed the adoption of organic farming practices in South-western Nigeria. Oyesola &

Obabire (2011) assessed farmers‘ perception of organic farming in Ekiti state, South-western Nigeria. Attempt was made by Adesope, et al., (2012) to capture South-south by investigating effects of socio economic characteristic of farmers on their adoption of organic farming practices in Rivers state, Nigeria.

Irrespective of the several benefits of organic farming, the coverage is still low. This may be as a result of lack of awareness of the potentials of organic farming practices. According to Oyekanini, Coyne & Fawole (2008) the poor

performance of Nigerian farmers is attributed to their lack of awareness and use of sustainable agricultural practices. Many scientists now believe that conventional agricultural practices are unsustainable. Therefore, availability of relevant information on the importance of organic farming practices could enhance its adoption among farmers. There is scarcely any literature on whether or not farmers are aware of the benefits of organic farming. This apparent lack of enough empirical data in organic farming practices by farmers in the study area has created lacuna in knowledge thus culminating in gap that this study intends to fill. Seeking information is a part of almost every learning process resulting in some changes to farm business management. Most changes to the practice are influenced by interaction with and information from a number of sources including print and electronic media, peers, experts and training activities (Kirkpatrick, 1996). There is usually preference over a list of practices, most researchers concentrated on farming practices without highlighting the preference of farmers against the various organic farming practices. This study will not only find out the organic farming practices farmers are engaged in but will also determine their preference and reasons for the preference of any one or more of the practices.

Apart from south-south not being captured enough by researchers, available research results indicate that researchers have made serious efforts to study specific enterprise vis-à-vis organic farming practices. For example the work of the researchers cited above concentrated on crops and farmers generally. None of the studies undertook more than one enterprise at a time to enable data generation for comparison. The present study analyses three enterprises- livestock, fishery and crop.

To actualize this, the following questions were addressed:

1. What are the demographic and socio economic characteristics of the farmers?
2. Are farmers in South-south Nigeria aware of organic farming practices?
3. What are the organic farming practices engaged in by crop, fisheries and livestock farmers?
4. What are the farmers‘ present sources of information?
5. What are the farmers‘ perceived advantages of organic farming practices and dangers of conventional farming practices?
6. What are the determinants of their use of organic farming practices?
7. What are the constraints faced by farmers engaged in organic farming?
8. What are the strategies for improvement of organic farming practices in

South-south Nigeria?

1.3          Objectives of the study

The broad objective of the study is to analyse rural household‘s use of organic farming practices in South-south Nigeria. The specific objectives were to:

• describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers;
• determine the level of awareness of organic farming practices;
• identify the level of use of organic farming practices;
• ascertain the farmers‘ source of information on organic farming;
• find out the farmers‘ perceived benefits of organic farming practices;
• assess constraints to organic farming by the farmers and
• identify strategies for improving organic farming practices

 

1.4     Hypotheses (Null)

 

The following null hypotheses were tested

 

• There is no significant relationship between the socio economic characteristics of the farmers and their level of awareness of organic farming practices;
• There is no significant relationship between the rural households‘ socioeconomic characteristics and their perceived benefits of organic farming practices;
• There is no significant relationship between the socio economic characteristics of the farmers and their level of use of organic farming practices;
• There are no significant differences in the farmers‘ level of use of organic

farming practices based on the three states of the study;

• There is no significant difference in the level of use of organic farming practices between male and female farmers.

1.5     Justification of the Study

The goal of organic farming practices is a sustainable production of quality food with little or no effect on the environment. This goal cannot be achieved by the conventional farming. There is need to encourage organic farming which is capable of providing solution to the current agricultural problems and help to achieve optimal production of quality food sustainably (IFOAM, 2005). The global challenge of environmental degradation, climate change and dangers associated with continuous practice of inorganic farming, calls for the understanding of the farming practices engaged by farmers in South-South Nigeria.

Literature on organic farming activities among farmers exist in various countries. For example Uganda has about 200,000 certified Organic farmers,

(Tumnushabe et al 2006, Helga and Yussefi, 2006) Ethiopia and Tanzania with over 160,000 and 100,000 respectively (Helga and Yussefi 2006). This study will increase the resource base for Organic Farming literature in Nigeria.

The result of this research will add to the body of existing literature on organic farming and this will be a valuable reference material for extensionists, lecturers, researchers and students.  In the same manner, development practitioners and interventionists on programme and development in the rural areas will find the result of the study a veritable benchmark in advancing policies and programmes in organic farming.  It would serve as a source of useful information for effective planning and propagation strategies for organic farming practices. Crusaders of organic farming and extension agents will find the work valuable in their campaign and teaching programmes.

1.6.   Scope of the study

The study focused on rural households‘ use of organic farming practices. The organic farming practices studied were those of crops, livestock and fish. The study was carried out in South- south Nigeria.

 

ANALYSIS OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS’ USE OF ORGANIC FARMING PRACTICES IN SOUTH – SOUTH, NIGERIA

 

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