Evaluation of Agroforestry Practices among Farmers of Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Integration of trees in agricultural land can certainly be complex and might be difficult to implement in various situations, and there is no one model that works for every region, but the benefits are significant. Trees are components of agroforestry system that contribute to food security, nutrition, medicine, income and environmental services. Aim: the study aimed to evaluate agroforestry practices among farmers of Kano State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study was conducted using multistage sampling procedure in which the state was characterized into three strata were selected from the three senatorial zone of the state making a selection of three (3) Local Government areas from each stratum and a total of  thirty six (36) villages. In each village, ten (10) interviewees were randomly selected for the structured questionnaire. Results: A total of three hundred and sixty (360) respondents were recruited in the study, of which, 137 majority (38 %) were between the ages of 30-39 years. 360 (100 %) males were the dominant sex, 271 (75 %) were married having at least the family size of 1-10 persons per household. 107, 97 and 45 had formal education (69 %) (primary 30 %, secondary 27 % and tertiary education 12 %). 234 (65 %) mainly engaged in farming, 176 (49 %) acquired their land through inheritance. Majority, 233 (65 %) of the farms size were between < 1-2 hectares. However, 143 (40 %) had average of 21-31 years of farming experience. The commonest predominant agroforestry practices are boundary markings 153 (43 %) and scattered trees on farmland 144 (40 %). Conclusion: the study shows that agroforestry practices are practiced among the farmers, though, more awareness will assist the farmers to enjoy all its benefits.  

Keywords: Agroforestry; Practices; Trees; Farmers; Kano State; Nigeria.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/12-17-02

Publication date:September 30^th 2022