ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to examine agricultural intensification among arable crop households in Abia State. The sample size comprised 144 farmers selected from the three Agricultural zones of the state. Data collected with structural questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as means, frequency, percentages, regression and chow's count test. The analyses of socioeconomic characteristics showed that majority were male headed households;. The mean age of the farmers was 48.28 years showing that fanners were relatively young. The mean household size 'vas six persons. About 87% of the farmers had formal education with twenty years of farming experience. The major sources of farm acquisition were by rent/lease, inheritance and purchase with a mean farm size of 1.51 hectares. The sources of fund for farming activities were personal savings and Isusu. Majority of farmers used one to six different soil management practices to achieve their various farming operations.. Sixty percent of farm households practised intensified farming while 4028% practised non-intensified farming. Yield (output), soil management practices and level of education significantly influenced intensification of agricultural production while age negatively influenced intensified farming. The analysis showed that farm size, family labour, fertilizer/ agro chemicals and planting materials were significant determinants of output of the intensified farms. Family labour and fertilizer/agro chemical, capital, determined output of non-intensified farms. The result of chow's test showed that output of the farmers practising intensification was significantly ix higher than those not practising intensification. The study recommends that appropriate policies aimed at refocusing more farmers on agricultural intensification in favour of agricultural output should be put in place. Provision of educational facilities to enhance farmer's capacity and skill acquisition to cope with the intensification challenges and modem farming conditions were also recommended.