Perception of Organic Farming among Urban Vegetable Farmers in Delta Central Agricultural Zone

Abstract

This study examined the perception of urban vegetable farmers on organic farming. Data were collected from 102 respondents using a multi stage sampling technique and a structured interview schedule. Results indicate that the majority of the farmers were females (89.2%) with (87.25%) married and mean age 40.8. Only 10.8% had no education. Most respondents (70.59%) went into vegetable farming as a means of secondary income and for home consumption (82.35%). Major constraints faced by respondents include bulkiness of organic materials ( x̄= 3.34), inability to handle/preserve/process organic material (x̄ = 2.99) and no access to training on organic vegetable farming (( x̄= 3.79). Perception of farmers on organic farming was generally unfavourable (58.8%) however, it was significantly correlated to age (r = 0.171), marital status (χ ² = 17.96, p = 0.05) and educational attainment (χ ² = 6.397, p = 0.05). It concluded that farmers used organic farming to improve on their income and soil nutrient status and as such recommended appropriate institutional support to encourage organic farming.

Keywords: Organic farming, urban and vegetable farmers.