Determinants of Agricultural Intensification among Crop Farmers in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the determinants of agricultural intensification among
crop farmers in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State of Nigeria. Primary data
were collected using structured questionnaire from a random sample of 70 crop farmers.
Simple statistical tools and the multiple regression models were used to analyse the data.
Results show that farm output, number of soil management practices, farming experience
and years of education positively influenced agricultural intensification while household
size negatively influenced it. Farmers in the study area applied at least six soil
management practices with bush fallowing, which has a mean of 5. 15 years, taking the
lead Farm size was small with a mean of 1.40 hectares while household size was large,
with at least six persons. It was recommended that the farm ers should be encouraged to
make use of appropriate soil conservation techniques while appropriate educational
facililies should be provided to further enhance human capacity building and skills
acquisition by the farmers. Policies and programmes for counselling farm households on
family planning, birth control measures and soil conservation techniques were
recommended