IMPACT OF ORGANIC FARMING ON YIELD AND INCOME OF MAIZE FARMERS IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the impact of organic farming practices on the yield and income of maize farmers in Katsina State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socioeconomic characteristics of maize farmers, identified the organic farming practices used by the respondents, assessed their livelihood status, and evaluated the effect of organic farming practices on farmers’ yield and income. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 398 maize farmers for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, livelihood index, and z-test. The results revealed that the majority (89.4% and 78.1%) of the respondents were male and married, while 88.2% had formal education. The mean age and household size of the farmers were 48.8 years and 9 persons, respectively, while the respondents had more than 12 years of farming experience on average. Most (90%) farmers operated farms of less than 5 hectares, and 73.87% had an income exceeding ₦249,000. However, only 33.7% had access to credit facilities, while 11.1% had contact with extension agents. The most widely used organic farming practices were the application of organic fertilizer (89.4%), planting of trees and hedges (84.4%), use of organic pesticides (73.9%), hand-picking of insects (72.4%), and mixed cropping (69.6%). The livelihood index assessment further showed that the livelihood status of the respondents is fairly high. The z-test result indicated a statistically significant increase in farmers’ income following the use of organic farming practices, from ₦3,124,597.99 before use to ₦4,747,327.89 after use, representing a mean increase of ₦1,622,729.90 (Z = 27.63). Similarly, maize yield increased significantly from 83.56 bags before the use of organic farming practices to 87.32 bags per hectare after use (Z = 2.66). The study concludes that the use of organic farming practices contributes positively to maize farmers’ income and yield and has the potential to improve their livelihood outcomes. The study therefore recommends increased access to extension services, credit facilities, and technical training to encourage the wider and more effective use of organic farming practices among maize farmers in Katsina State.