Effects of Livelihood Strategies on Adoption of Farm-specific Land Management Practices among Crop Farmers in South West, Nigeria

Adoption of Land Management Practices (LMP) among crop farmers in Nigeria has not been effective, due, among others, to neglect of Livelihood Strategy (LS) in LMP programme intervention. This study investigated the nexus between LS and LMP. Multistage random sampling was used to collect primary data from 400 farmers in South West Nigeria. Probit regression model was used to analyze data for 2007 production season. Farmers engaged in staple Crops/Off-farm Income (LS 1=30.0%); StapleCrops/WagesandSalary (LS2=22.5%);LS1/Vegetable/Fruits/Livestock Production (lS3=27.5%); LS3/Tree Crops (LS4=20.0%). Farmers adopt multiple LMPs for crop production. Agronomic Practices (AP = 80.0%) was preferred to other LMPs including Soil Management Practices (SMP = 65.0%), Conservation Practices (CP = 60.0%), Structural and Mechanical Erosion Control Practices (SMECP = 34.0%). The effect of other LS relative to LS1 on LMP reveals that households pursuing LS3 and LS4 are more likely to use SMECP and CP. LS2 households are more likely to use AP and SMP. The probability of adoption of SMECP, AP, SMP and CP increases with farmersʹ membership of CBO and years of education. Topography, farm size cultivated and tenancy security increase probability of adoption of SMECP. Adopters of AP and SMP cultivate small land and had contact with extension agent. Users of CP cultivate crops on slopy farm land. Farmers in rainforest belt are more likely to adopt SMECP and CP. Reverse is the case for AP and SMP. Thus, sustainable food policy and LMP programmes requires understanding of LS of the farming households.