ADOPTION OF ORGANIC FARMING PRACTICES AMONG MAIZE FARMERS IN BATAGARAWA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the adoption of organic farming practices (OFPs) among maize farmers in Batagarawa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. Using a two-stage sampling technique, data were collected from 110 respondents through a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including probit regression analysis, were employed to analyze the data. The results revealed that the majority of the farmers were male (83.6%) with a mean age of 45 years. Most were married (76.4%), had household sizes between 6–10 persons, and were mainly smallholders cultivating 1–5 hectares. The most adopted organic practices included crop rotation (87.3%), use of organic fertilizer (86.4%), and mixed cropping (78.2%). Probit analysis indicated that age, marital status, and farm size significantly influenced the likelihood of adopting OFPs, implying that older, married, and large-scale farmers were more inclined towards organic methods. Major constraints identified were weed pressure, high cost of organic inputs, limited access to credit, inadequate information, and poor extension services. Radio, television, and farmer associations were the main information sources on organic practices. The findings highlight the growing interest in sustainable farming but highlight persistent challenges that hinder widespread adoption. It is recommended that government and agricultural agencies enhance access to credit, strengthen cooperative societies, and expand extension training programs to promote awareness and ease adoption. Promoting OFPs among maize farmers can enhance soil fertility, reduce input costs, and contribute to environmentally sustainable agricultural production in northern Nigeria.