Small Holder Tomato Farmers' Knowledge on Watershed Management Practices for Climate Resilience in North Central, Nigeria

Conference submission

Ololade Latifat Abdulrahman, Enoch Kwame Tham-Agyekum, Jabulani Nyengere, Pearl Lefadola and Tafadzwa Maramura

Abstract: Climate variability poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity, especially for tomato, which is highly susceptible due to its perishable nature. Despite the crucial role that watershed management practices play in conserving soil moisture, reducing erosion, and sustaining water resources, many small-holding tomato farmers still lack adequate knowledge and adoption of these climate-resilient techniques. This study, therefore, describes the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder farmers, assesses their knowledge levels, and examines the constraints to watershed management practices in North Central, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 173 small-holding tomato farmers, while data were solicited using an interview schedule and summarised using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Results revealed that all small holder tomato farmers are male (100%), married (90.2%), with a mean age of 42.6 years and a mean years of schooling of 10.5 years. The mean household size was 6.6 persons, with a mean farm size of 0.6 ha and 11.9 years of experience in tomato production. The majority (60.7%) relied solely on rain as a water source, with no insurance (72.2%) and no association (89.6%). The majority (79.2%) of tomato farmers are aware of watershed management practices, with a low level of knowledge (22.5%). Factors such as years of schooling, farm size, Association membership, and farming experience were found to influence the knowledge levels of smallholder tomato farmers regarding watershed management practices. This study thus recommends continuous, consistent training in watershed management practices for tomato farmers.

Keywords: Climate resilience; tomato farming; watershed practices; Knowledge level