Indigenous knowledge practices of organic crop production among Afaraukwu women of Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

A participatory survey was conducted in Afaraukwu Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area (LGA), Abia State to assess indigenous knowledge practices of 100 women in organic crop production. Results showed that the women used assorted types of organic manure (farm yard, compost, poultry droppings and palm bunches refuse) as major soil amendment for crop production. All the respondents were engaged in root and tuber crops (cassava, yam, and cocoyam) as well as in vegetable production. About 70% of the respondents applied wood ash Pennisetum purpureaum to enhance tillering. Results showed that 70% of the respondents applied more organic manure in homestead farms than in distant farms. It was discovered that 100% of the respondents applied wood ash and liquid neem extract in sustainable plant health management in the control of pests in vegetable production. Major challenges facing the women are increasing scarcity of organic manure and the large quantities required to supply enough nutrients to sustain good crop yield and quality. Therefore, the study recommends that every family should have a compost pit where all biodegradable kitchen wastes and leaves should be deposited for use during cropping season.

Keywords: indigenous knowledge practices, manure, homestead farms