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Study highlights soil assessment practices and challenges for cassava farmers in Nigeria

In southwestern Nigeria, a study conducted in Wasimi, Ogun State, by IITA–CGIAR and the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has shed light on cassava farmers' practices, particularly in soil quality assessment and yield prediction within cassava-based cropping systems. The research reveals a male-dominated field, with a significant portion of the farming population being middle-aged, highlighting concerns regarding the aging agricultural workforce and low youth involvement.

One of the study's most striking findings was a reported 36% decline in cassava yields over the last decade. The study indicates that farmers, with an average of two decades of experience, predominantly operate on medium-sized farms of 2–5 hectares. These farmers utilize traditional knowledge to assess soil quality, favoring black soil for its perceived fertility, and employing vegetation cover as a criterion for site selection. Traditional indicators such as soil cracks and the appearance of the cassava plant are used to predict yields, showing a correlation with scientific assessments, despite a tendency to overestimate outcomes.

Challenges such as declining yields, attributed to reduced rainfall and soil degradation, underscore the urgency for sustainable practices. The study points to a potential synergy between farmers' indigenous methods and scientific approaches, suggesting that such collaboration could enhance soil management and cassava productivity. This approach could bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and scientific innovation, offering a pathway to improved agricultural practices and sustainable food systems in Africa.

Source: IITA

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