INFLUENCE OF PIGEON-PEA (Cajanus cajan L.) AND MAIZE MIXED CROPPING ON SMALLHOLDER FARMER’S YIELD IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/jaat.2026.1202.16Keywords:
Cajanus cajan,, pigeon-pea, maize mixed cropping,, smallholder farmers,, yield,, intercropping, Kaduna StateAbstract
Legume-based pigeon-pea and maize mixed cropping is increasingly promoted as a sustainable intensification strategy for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluated the effect of pigeon-pea and maize mixed cropping (PMMC) on maize grain yield among smallholder farmers in the Samaru-Kataf Agricultural Zone of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 166 farmers (adopters and non-adopters) were selected through purposive and random sampling during the 2024 cropping season. Structured questionnaires captured yield data, cropping practices and production constraints. Descriptive statistics and standard normal (Z) tests were used to compare mean grain yields. Results showed that adopters of PMMC achieved significantly higher mean yields (893.5 kg/ha) than non-adopters (504.8 kg/ha), with a yield difference of 388.7 kg/ha (Z = 7.83, p < 0.01). PMMC improved yield stability resource use efficiency, and soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Key constraints included limited finance (18.1%), weed infestation (15.1%), land shortages (14.5%) and inadequate extension support (13.9%). The study concluded that PMMC enhances smallholder productivity and recommends scaling integrated cropping approaches alongside supportive policies, credit access, and extension interventions to promote sustainable intensification in the region.
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