Abstract

C. I. Halima* and M. S. Edoja

This study examines the relationship between farming practices and vegetation degradation with a view to recommend best farming practices in Benue State. The main objective of the study was to identify and describe the major farming practices as a factor of vegetation degradation in Benue State. Data on farming practices and vegetation was obtained through personal interviews; questionnaire and onsite assessment. The data was coded, extracted and analysed using frequencies and simple percentages. The analysis of the result revealed that majority of the farmers’ practised farming on full-time basis. Those sizes of the farm plots in the 1980s were generally small but have become large in 2010. Apart from been small, the farms are scattered a factor that accelerates vegetation degradation and change. Fallow periods were generally long in the1980s but have reduced to between 1 to 3 years in 2010. The study also identified shifting cultivation, zero-tillage and alley cropping as the major farming practices in Benue State. Chi Square was used to test the significance of the farming practices identified. The result of the test confirm that shifting cultivation, zero-tillage and alley cropping are significant at p<0.05 in explaining the relationship between farming practices and vegetation degradation in Benue State. Hence, the study recommends that farmers should minimize the practice of zero-tillage and aggregate the size of their farms while alley cropping and afforestation for all vegetation types should be encouraged to conserve the vegetation in the State.