Some Factors Influencing Arable Crop Production in Niger State, Nigeria

by Open Science Repository Agriculture
(November 2013)

Abstract

Niger State is divided into three zones for agricultural development purposes. Surveys of the farming systems of two of the zones (II and III) were carried out during the 2001 and 2002 cropping seasons. The objective of the surveys was to identify the prospects of sustainable arable crops production in these zones as well as utilized and unutilized opportunities for increased agricultural production. The surveys revealed that farmers in the two zones normally practice mixed cropping like other small scale farmers in Nigeria. The most important food crops grown include yam, cassava sorghum, maize, millet, rice, groundnut and cowpea. Factors influencing the production of these crops in substantial quantities to sustain the ever increasing population of the state include availability of adequate and productive land, productive labour force, improved technologies and rural infrastructures. Areas needing research interventions for improved productivity were itemized and recommended for action by the appropriate policy makers.

Keywords: small scale farmers, productive labour force, extension services, important food crops, Nigeria.

Full text

Some Factors Influencing Arable Crop Production in Niger State, Nigeria