Factors Influencing Homestead Farming in Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the socio-economic characteristics of the homestead farmers in Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. Eighty respondents were randomly selected, and data collected with structured questionnaire was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The results showed that 57.5% of the homestead farmers were women. The result also indicated that 87.5% of the farmers were above 40 years, with the mean age of 49.9 years. Ninety percent of the farmers had farming as their primary occupation. About 75.5% had over 3 persons in their households and 70.5% of the respondents earned N10, 000- N50,00 monthly. The results also showed that five variables, namely age, (2.348)***, years of education (5.050)***, farming experience (4.160)***, monthly income (7.037)***, and farm output (3.3330)*** were statistically and positively related to homestead farming practice. It is, therefore, concluded that homestead farming is a lucrative business and that socio-economic characteristics of the operators were significantly related to homestead farming. Policy matters that support the integration of homestead farmers strategy into the rural and urban development plans of the nations, should be given full support