Agricultural Intensification And Soil Conservation Farming Techniques In Imo State,Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to examine the agricultural intensification and soil conservation farming techniques in Imo State. A sample of fifty three respondents from six sub-zones in Imo State were randomly selected and interviewed with semi-structural questionnaires. Data, which comprised information on the soclo-economic characteristics were analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies. Multiple regression techniques was used to analyzed factors influencing agricultural intensification. Descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies were used to examined the various soil management practices used by the respondents. The result show that farmers in the study area were elderly and literate. Farm size was small with a mean of 1.2 hectares while household size was large, with at least 5 persons. Farmers in the study area practice at least six soil management practices with bush fallowing taking the lead. Output sold, soil management practices, farming experience and years of education positively influenced agricultural intensification while household size negatively influenced it. Appropriate economic policies needed to refocus the farmers in agricultural intensification should be implemented.