SOCIO-ECONOMIC INFLUENCES ON WATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG DRY SEASON IRRIGATED VEGETABLE FARMERS IN JIMETA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study analyzed the socio-economic influence of water management practices employed by dry season irrigated vegetable farmers in Jimeta, Yola North local government area, Adamawa State, Nigeria in November 2021. The data for this study were obtained by purposive sampling of 100 farmers using structured questionnaires and descriptive analytical tools such as frequencies and tables were used. Results show that 81% of the farmers practice surface irrigation, while 19% practice manual irrigation method. Respondent farmers indicate that there has been an increase in yield output in using selected irrigation method 75% agreed to that while 25% said no. Irrigation interval or frequency shows 13% irrigate after 1day interval, 49% indicate 2days interval before the next irrigation and 38% irrigate after 3days interval. Respondent farmers 24% said they experienced low level of water from water source, while 76% said they never experienced such low level. Farmers, 23% said they conserve water by repairing leaks in irrigation systems, 21% said they acquired knowledge in crop water requirements. Adoption of soil moisture monitoring device or climate information to determine when to irrigate were 21%, while 21% adjust their operating parameters of irrigation systems under windy conditions. The socio economic characteristics of the respondent farmers show more males, the level of informal education is low and farmers are not owners of the farm. The higher the educational attainment of farmers the higher their tendency to adopt more efficient irrigation methods and it is the same with farmers sources of information which in the study were found to be through radio. The study shows farmers practices of irrigation is influenced by their education and sources of information, 62% irrigate plot in interval of 1day and 2days is not good for water management practices. Belonging to cooperative organization, will help farmers learn from each other’s experience, the study shows this is lacking. Government should employ more extension workers, who will in turn teach farmers the best management practices required in irrigation water management in particular. There is the need for increase funding for dry season farming and the targeted farmers be direct beneficiaries of such interventions.