CONTRIBUTION OF SOIL CONSERVATION PRACTICES TO SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD IN EGBEDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE

Abstract

Reduced agricultural productivity due to soil depletion affects farmers' incomes and livelihood, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and food insecurity in rural communities. This study therefore examined the contribution of soil conservation practices to sustainable livelihood among farmers in Egbeda Local Government Oyo State. Specifically, the study examined the soil conservation practices used, factors influencing the use of soil conservation practices, agricultural related livelihood activities engaged in and constraints to the use of soil conservation practices. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 96 respondents in the study area. Data collected using interview schedule. Descriptive analytical tools such as frequency counts, percentage were used to analyze the data results. Application of manure and leaving of crop residue on the field to decay was the highest soil conservation practices used with a percentage of 94.8%. Long-term continuity of yield from the farm, contribution to long-term sustainability and productivity of farmland and contribution to increase in crop yields was ranked first as the major contributions of soil conservation practices with the weighted mean score (WMS) of 3.9. The knowledge about soil conservation practices was the highest factor influencing the use of soil conservation practices with a percentage of 100.0%. Crop farming was the highest agricultural related livelihood activities engaged in with a percentage of 100.0%. Poor/ inadequate government support, lack of relevant skills and knowledge and inadequate extension service was ranked first as the major constraints to the use of soil conservation practices with the weighted mean score (WMS) of 2.8. Knowledge about soil conservation practices was the highest factor influencing the use of soil conservation practices by the respondents, poor/ inadequate government support, lack of relevant skills and knowledge and lack of adequate extension service were the major constraints faced by the respondents to the use of soil
conservation practices.