Adoption of Regenerative Agricultural Practices among Maize-Based Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria
Keywords:
regenerative agriculture, adoption, resources constraints, security,, knowledge transfer and social resistanceAbstract
This study examined the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices (RAPs) among maize based farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used in collecting data from 158 maize-based farmers through the use of an interview schedule and structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using percentage, mean, principal component analysis and OLS regression. The findings revealed that the respondents showed high awareness of RAPs such as crop rotation (98.1%), organic farming (86.1%), and zero/reduced tillage (83.5%), yet adoption was mostly moderate (56.3%), with only 24.7% achieving high adoption. Access to loans (+3.314, p<0.001) and higher knowledge scores (+3.055, p<0.001) significantly increased adoption, while greater farming experience (–0.093, p=0.002) and resource-related constraints (–1.092, p=0.001) reduced it. The study concluded that farmers moderately adopt RAPs but insufficient enabling conditions such as insecurity and limited extension services hindered the uptake in Kwara State. Strengthening credit access, improving extension delivery, and addressing infrastructural and security barriers are essential to accelerate widespread adoption of regenerative practices and enhance sustainable maize production in Kwara State.References
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