Determination of Socio-economic Influence of Tillage and Termite on Incidence, Severity and Yield of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Selected Owerri Agricultural Zones, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

The field investigation was conducted in 2015 in four selected Agricultural zones of Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria namely Ezinnihite Mbaise (Zone 1), Owerri North (Zone 2), Mbaitoli (Zone 3) and Owerri West (Zone 4). A random selection of thirty cassava farmers from each of the study areas was made. The sample size was made up of a total of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents. Data were collected through structural questionnaire administration to the respondents on the four selected zones and were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics such as the use of Percentages, Frequencies and Means. Result indicates that majority of the respondents sampled in this study practiced mounding for their cassava production. Also greater proportion of them (respondents) claimed that apart from other known endemic pests like grasshopper, mealybug, green mites etc., termite poses greater threat to their cassava farm. However, highest cassava yield occurred in areas where mounds and/or ridges were practiced. In view of the prevailing high water table of the sampled areas, farmers are advised to continue with the practice of mounding and/or ridging for their cassava production.