Use of Agricultural Extension Information for Mitigation of Soil Degradation in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: This research work examined the use of agricultural extension information to mitigate soil degradation in Ondo Central senatorial district of Ondo state, Nigeria. The study identified significant sources of soil degradation in the study area, determine how often the farmers used the available information on soil degradation mitigation and identified observed changes that occurred on the soil in the past five years. Methodology: A multi-stage random sampling technique was used in selecting respondents. Data were collected with the use of a structured questionnaire and interview schedule from 180 registered farmers across six communities in Ondo East and Ifedore Local Government Areas in Ondo Central senatorial district of the state. Results: Results of the study shows that soil degradation changes observed include a great increase in water logging, soil erosion and dumping of biodegradables. The most important source of information on soil degradation is agricultural extension agents. Information on organic manuring and planting of cover crops were the top two information category used to mitigate soil degradation by the respondents. Test statistics showed that there was no significant relationship between changes in soil degradation and information use for mitigating soil degradation at .05 level of significance (P = .07; χ2= 1.957). Conclusion: Agricultural extension services served as the most significant source of information for the farmers on soil degradation mitigation. There was observed overall increase in soil degradation over the period of 5 years (2012-2017). The use of available information to mitigate soil degradation was occasional despite the availability of information.