Utilisation of Sustainable Agricultural Practices among Crop Farmers in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State (Published)
The study examined utilisation of sustainable agricultural practices among crop farmers in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. A total of 120 respondents were selected for the study using multi-stage sampling technique. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Results showed that the mean age of the respondents was 44.77 years. Also, 60.00% were married, while 65.00% were females. Mixed cropping and organic manure application ranked 1st and 2nd most used sustainable agricultural practices. Utilisation of sustainable agricultural practices was low. Significant relationships existed between household size (r2 = 0.342, p < 0.05), educational status (c2 = 4.325, p < 0.05), knowledge level (r2 = 0.154, p < 0.05) and use of sustainable agricultural practices. It is recommended that policies and programmes of the government be directed at increasing utilisation of sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, extension and farmers’ organisations should work towards increasing farmers’ knowledge on the importance and use of sustainable agricultural practices.
Keywords: Agricultural practice, Knowledge Level., Mixed cropping, Sustainable, Utilisation.