Assessment of farmers’ awareness, participation and sources of awareness of agroforestry practices in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed farmers’ awareness of various agroforestry practices, participation in various agroforestry practices and sources of awareness of Agroforestry practices in Taraba State, Nigeria. A sample of 420 respondents drawn from 7 Local Government Areas (LGA) out of 16 LGA in all the agro-ecological zones in Taraba State was selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. The selected respondents were administered questionnaire on information related to awareness and participation level in agroforestry practices. Descriptive statistic of frequency count and percentage were used to explain the data while inferential statistics of Pearson product moment correlation was the analytical tool used to test the null hypothesis. The study reveals that extension agents (38.57%), forestry department (24.05%) and mass media (radio/television) (19.52%) were the major farmers’ sources of awareness. The study also revealed a significant relationship between farmers’ awareness of agroforestry practices and their participation. It was recommended that more extension staff should be trained to enhance effective extension contact to farmers. Farmers should be educated and enlightened on the importance and benefits of agroforestry.

Keywords: Agroforestry, awareness, farmers, participation, Taraba State.