ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF SOIL CONSERVATION PRACTICES AMONG CROP FARMERS

This study was carried out in some parts of the South Western  s of Nigeria  with  the objective  of identifying  the  traditional  soil  conservation  options available to farmers in the area. The study subsequently assessed the economics of the use of stone bunds as a conservation technology. To achieve the above objectives structured questionnaires were administered in selected villages from the Oyo and Ogun states. Descriptive statistics and a partial budget analytical tools were employed here. In Ogun state Nigeria high intensity rains, extensive land clearing and tree felling for fuel wood, overgrazing, uncontrolled burning of bush, poor  farming  practices  and  population  pressures  have  resulted  in  severe  erosion problems. The gradual soil degradation has affected crop productivity. Stone bunding, Ridging, and Crop residue management are some techniques that fanners have adopted to check soil erosion. Among the numerous fertility restoring methods, Composting, mulching, crop residue management and shifting cultivation are those currently being used by farmers. Others include the use of crop rotation, household refuse, animal/farmyard manure and fertilizer. Results of the partial budget analysis for the use of stone bunding indicate that an additional benefit of 03,122,860.00 was realised by putting in 35 extra man-days at a total cost of 0374,150.00. In other words, it is worth  adopting this  strategy where  possible  since  the  profitability  ratio  of 9.3  is substantial. A more participatory approach to extension  programme  formulation  and implementation is therefore recommended since farmers are already aware of the problems.