FARMERS' PERCEPTION ON SOIL STATUS, FERTILITY AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ADOPTED IN KACHIA GRAZING ...

Farmers' local knowledge of soil fertility and management practises is critical for soil fertility maintenance. The research focuses on Fulani farmers' perceptions of soil fertility and management practises in the study region. In recent years, successive administrations have attempted to settle Fulani pastoralists in one location, exacerbated by recent livestock rustling, forcing them to adapt to a new culture and way of life, such as crop farming. In the study area where these individuals live, there have been complaints about low crop yields. To allow respondents to express their opinions, a total of 68 copies of the questionnaire were distributed to them using systematic random sampling. The data was analysed using a simple descriptive statistic. The study's findings revealed that respondents' knowledge of soil fertility was based on observable plant and soil characteristics such as soil colour, texture, stoniness, kind and number of indicator weeds, and abundance of soil macro-fauna. Color, according to 46% of respondents, is the most important sign of soil fertility. Long-term usage of agrochemicals is thought to diminish soil fertility by 53% of respondents. As a result, it was suggested that the government take into account the crucial role played by local farmers and recognise their contribution to the country's food security. They should also be encouraged to pursue agro-pastoralist careers, which will allow them to settle down and avoid confrontations with neighbouring farms.

Please see the link :- https://www.ikprress.org/index.php/JOGAE/article/view/739