Land Fragmentation and Crop Production in Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Land fragmentation has been a global question as to what impact it represents on modern agriculture in general and crop production in particular from different societies due to declining output with increasing need for more input (cost). This study is aimed at assessing the impact of land fragmentation on crop production in Gwer-West Local Government Area with certain target to determine the dynamic nature of farm sizes, examine the factors responsible and give analysis of impact inherent in such dynamics as well as suggesting possible remedies to that effect. A sample size of 398 respondents was used. The study employed multistage random sampling technique starting from the study areas two major divisions to its four area development offices from which one ward each was selected except Gaambe/Sengev where two were taken. Simple random technique was used to make choices of specific farms for close observation while the systematic random technique was used in selecting respondents. Data on farm sizes, factors of land fragmentation and its impact on crops, crop yield, input per unit of land. Data analysed using frequency distribution tables, percentages and presented on graphs/charts. Results show that, 20 years ago 59% of farmers were having 10ha and above as their total land stock whereas only 33% of the farmers presently have 10ha and above. The result also shows that 20 years ago, 33% of the farmers in the area had between 1-2ha where as 72% of the farmers currently have between 1-2ha farm size. the analysis reveal that, majority of the farmers were producing between 11-15bags(100kg) 20 years ago whereas, only 27% of the farmers in the area produce between 11-15bags(100kg). Also, agricultural land use has changed from rotational bus fallowing to intensive farming. The major causes of land fragmentation in the area include: land ownership through inheritance and rapid population increase. The study concludes that land fragmentation has negative impact on crop production–crop productivity and agricultural activities. The paper therefore recommends land consolidation measure, population control and change in land reforms in order to reduce land fragmentation in the area.

Keywords: land fragmentation, crop production, land consolidation, population growth, land ownership

DOI: 10.7176/JAAS/64-03

Publication date:May 31^st 2020