Factors Influencing the Use of Organic Manure by Female Vegetable Farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the factors influencing the use of poultry droppings by female farmers in Anantiga vegetable site, Calabar-South Local Government area of Cross River State, Nigeria. A two stage sampling technique was used to select sixty female vegetable farmers for the study. Primary data were gathered through the use of a structured questionnaire and an oral interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and Likert scale rating techniques were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study showed that, about 75%, being the majority of the farmers were educated, 68.33% rented the farm land used for cultivation of vegetable, 95% of the farmers have never been visited by extension agent, and 88.33% of the farmers were low income farmers, earning between ₦1,000 and ₦14,999 monthly. The following factors: farmers not being aware of the potentials of using organic manure, inadequate access to organic manure materials, low output price of vegetables, poverty, negative attitude of government, consumer's preference, and poor organization/cooperation of farmer significantly influenced the use of poultry droppings in the study area. The study recommends among others that sustained enlightenment campaigns and enactment of policies that meet the needs and also support organic vegetable farming in the study area.