Constraints to the Organic Production of Spices and Vegetables in Ekiti State, Nigeria
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Date
2021-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Organic Agriculture and Ecology (AJOAE)
Abstract
Organic agriculture is fast emerging as the only sustainable long-term approach to food production. Several
farmers in Ekiti State have been exposed to organic methods and practices in the production of spices and
vegetables. However, the level of their organic farming practices is still below expectation. This study was
designed to assess the constraints inhibiting the farmers' organic productionof spices and vegetables practices
in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents. Descriptive
statistics and factor analysis were used to present results of research findings. The study revealed that
58.7% of the respondents were female while 77.9% were married. A total73.2% of the farmers had more
than 5 year-of experience in spices and vegetable farming while 72% of them produced Amaranthus spp.
Some of the constraints identified include; population pressure on land (0.628), effects of urbanization
(0.78), unfavourable land tenure system (0.802), market availability (0.922), inadequate access to credit
facilities (0.894) and farmers/herders' conflicts (0.887). The study concluded that credits should be made
available to farmers at low-interest rates to address the financial related problems. Also, a good proportion
of fertile agricultural land may be designated for organic spices and vegetable production to eliminate
farmers/herders conflicts.