Factors influencing the use of improved farm practices among small-scale farmers in Kano State of Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates the factors influencing the use of improved farm practices among small-scale farmers in Kano State. Data were obtained from 110 farmers with the aid of structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that 73.6 of the respondents are in the range of 20 to 50 years which is the active age range. The mean age of respondents was 40 years. It was revealed that 80.9% of the respondents have farming experience of more than 10 years. About 15% had above primary education. The use of pesticides and herbicides among farmers is accounted for 77.3% of the respondents. The results also revealed that 74.5 and 80.9% of the farmers are aware and have adopted the use of improved seeds and animal traction respectively. The results further revealed that level of education and extension contact were positively and significantly influential to the use of improved farm practices. The study therefore recommends improved extension linkages to sensitize small-scale farmers on the need to adopt improved farm practices.

Keywords: Farm practices, small-scale, farmers, Kano State.