CONSTRAINTS OF ARABLE CROP FARMERS PRACTICING AGROFORESTRY

TILLAGE IN NIGERIA.

MAKINDE FATHIA ANJOLA

HND/AEM/23/3247
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Despite the country's rapid urbanization, Seventy percent of Nigeria's population still lives in

rural areas, and the majority of these people rely on forest products and natural resources for

their survival (Liverpool-Tasie et al., 2015, Johnsom et al.,2018).

Consequently, agriculture remains a vital part of the Nigerian economy, as it provides both jobs

and food for the country's rapidly expanding population FAO (2021). However, the sector's

importance has resulted in the widespread environmental damage and alarmingly high rates of

deforestation (Izuchukwu, 2011; Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics, 2016).In Nigeria, about

350,000 hectares of land are lost due to deforestation and the small-scale farmers are affected by

these scenarios, though they also contributed to the degradation through sustainable agricultural

practices, yet they are partly to blame because of their commitment to environmentally friendly

farming methods (FAO 2020). However, the small-scale arable crop farmers who make up the

bulk of Nigeria's agricultural contributors are the country's best chance of attaining sustainable

agriculture (Sabo et al., 2017). Based on the current agricultural challenges in Nigeria, it is

possible that farming alone won't be enough to end rural poverty. This shows the significance of

the agroforestry in the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (Odo and Nwibo, 2019).

Agroforestry practices have been supported in several locations across the globe to diversify

agricultural production and improve ecological benefits of farm systems, Sabastian, et al.,

(2019). Agro-forestry has been defined in various manners by different researchers. Leakey

RRB. (2022). adopted the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) current

definition of agroforestry which describe agroforestry as a collective name for land-use systems
and practices in which woody perennials are deliberately integrated with crops and/or animals on

the same land-management unit. The integration can be either in a spatial mixture or in a

temporal sequence. The most well-known agroforestry frameworks are: Agrisilvicultural which

is the mixture of crops and trees, for example, alley cropping or home garden. Silvopastoral

systems consolidate forestry service and grazing of domesticated animals or pastures and

Agrosylvopastoral, comprises the combination of the three components, in particular trees,

animals and crops, can be integrated, (Atangana et al.,2014)Agro forestry is progressively

advanced for reestablishing forest, degraded environment, diminishing greenhouse gases, and

increasing other co-benefits, Shukla et al (2021). Richard, et al.,(2009); FAO. (2017)

additionally pointed out agro-forestry as an economic improvement programs, which includes:

Biodiversity conservation, environmental (watershed) Protection, and Climate change

moderation and [Link] maintenance of trees in farming systems has been perceived to

build crop yield in the semi-arid region Amadi, et al., (2013). Ajake (2012) likewise perceived

the capacity of forest trees in term of income generation, great Medicare, employment

generation, raw materials, and arrangement of food among others. As discovered by Maren and

Carolyn (2011), agroforestry improved the socioeconomics livelihood of rural farmer by

improving income acquiring possibilities, provision of nourishment and healthful security as well

as arrangement of fuel wood, fodder for animal consumption and employment, because of its

potential to improve agricultural land use, provide lasting benefits, and mitigate unfavourable

ecological impacts on local and global scales, agro-forestry practices are increasingly advocated

as potential remedies. Zerihun et al.,(2014) also seeagroforestry as an innovationcreated to

improve profitability and livelihoods of rural farmers. From the apparent advantage of

agroforestry practices, its potential to elevate the financial states of the arable crop farmers has
been recognized. Since agroforestry is seen as a viable option for incorporating both indigenous

and exotic trees species into West African cropping systems and assessing their impact on the

productivity of smallholder farmers (Georges et al., 2018).

Despite the value of Agroforestry, tropical forests are losing species and having their habitats

altered at a faster rate than any other ecosystem in history (Smith and Jeremy, 2022). At the turn

of the 19th century, it was widely believed that people had a little influence on the natural world;

as a result, sophisticated ecosystems supporting a wide variety of plant and animal life had

evolved with little human interference (FAO, 2016). Tomma et al., (2021). given that global

warming is now widely acknowledged as a crucial concern of the 21st century and threatens our

survival, it is clear that we must take action. The average worldwide temperature rise and the

accompanying global climate change are attributable to the increased emissions of greenhouse

gases caused by human sources. Therefore Tomma et al., (2021). proposed that agroforestry has

immense potential in mitigating climate change concerns by lessening global warming since

vegetation assimilates the CO2gas in the process of photosynthesis which is one of the main

contributors to greenhouse gases.

Agroforestry practice among arable farmer serves to improve the resilience of farmers and

increase their household income through the harvesting of diverse products at different times of

the year. It also brings job opportunities from the processing of tree products, expanding the

economic benefits to rural communities and National Economies. Some common constraints of

agroforestry tillage practice among arable crop farmers: environmental constraints like climate

variability and change, soil erosion and degradation, water scarcity and competition, pest and

disease management, biodiversity loss; socio-economic constraints such as limited access to

credit and finance, high labor requirements, limited market access and economic incentives, lack
of knowledge and skills, land tenure insecurity; technological constraints like limited availability

of suitable agroforestry equipment, inadequate irrigation systems, poor soil preparation and

tillage methods, limited use of mulching and cover cropping, inefficient nutrient management

(Udofia, 2010).

1.1 Statement of the problem

Agroforestry tillage systems can be conceived for spaces varying from plots to farms to

landscapes. At plot level, farmers may combine nitrogen fixing trees with cereal crops. At farm

level, they may plant trees in woodlots or along boundaries and at landscape scale communities

may rehabilitate degraded areas through trees and other vegetation. Effective agroforestry

systems make the most of positive interactions between their various components, so that the

final product is more valuable than in the absence of trees, while the risks of failed harvests and

dependence on chemical inputs are reduced. The potential of agroforestry to contribute to

sustainable development has been recognized in international policy (FAO, 2011). The

intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) increasingly acknowledges it as a component

of climate-smart agriculture. During the 2011 conference of the parties (COP) meetings in

Durban, agroforestry was frequently mentioned as having a strong potential for climate change

adaptation and mitigation (FAO, 2013). In addition, the United Nations Convention to combat

Desertification (UNCCD) acknowledges agroforestry’s potential to control desertification and

rehabilitation.

1.2 Objective of the study

The main objectives of this research were sought to investigate the constraints of agroforestry

tillage practice among arable crop farmers

The Specific objective of the study is to;

 i. describe the socio-economic characteristics of the arable crop farmers in the study area.

ii. identify the different types of agro-forestry tillage system practices by the arable

farmer in the study area,

iii. determine the level of involvement of the arable crop farmers in agroforestry tillage

practices,

iv. identify the constraints to involvement in agroforestry practices by respondent in the

study area.

1.3 Research Question

The following research question will be asked to investigate this Research;

i. what are the socio-economic characteristics of the arable crop farmers in the study area?

ii. What are the different types of agro-forestry tillage system practices by the arable

farmer in the study area?

iii. How deep is the involvement of the arable crop farmers in agroforestry tillage practices?

iv. What are the constraints to involvement in agroforestry practices by respondent in the

study area.

1.4 Justification of the study

Agroforestry practice among arable farmer is a tillage systems can be conceived for spaces

varying from plots to farms to landscapes. At plot level, farmers may combine nitrogen fixing

trees with cereal crops. At farm level, they may plant trees in woodlots or along boundaries and

at landscape scale communities may rehabilitate degraded areas through trees and other

vegetation for addressing the constraints of agroforestry tillage practice among arable crop

farmers in Nigeria the research will expansiate on economic in increased crop yields and income,

agroforestry practices can improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and increase crop yields, leading
to higher incomes for farmers. Agroforestry can create employment opportunities in tree nursery

establishment, planting, and maintenance