Dynamics of Soil Degradation and Incentives for Optimal Management among Small Holder Cassava Farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ebonyi State government is highly interested in food security and poverty alleviation through crop production. Cassava plays food security roles in Ebonyi state, as it supplies basic food. But the production of cassava in the study area is dominated by small holder farmers and is highly constrained by soil degradation. This study was then designed to identify the dynamics of soil degradation and incentives for optimal soil management for enhanced food production. The study was a survey research designed as it used questionnaire to elicit information from a sample of farmers and extension agents. The questionnaire was developed by the researcher and validated by three (3) experts. Data collected through the questionnaire were analyzed using mean to answer the research questions.  Major Findings on causes of soil degradation were excessive land use, exposure of land to erosion, leaching and bush burning. Findings on effects were increase in cost of farm resources, poor yields and low incomes to farmers Incentives identified were greater access to credit facilities, farmer education, and improvement in agricultural marketing. It was recommended that government should increase farmers’ access to loan, subsidies and better markets. While extension agents should train farmers on soil management methods.

Keywords: Dynamics, Soil Degradation, Incentives, Cassava Farmers and Management