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Article Title:
Enhancing the Capability of Rural Farmers towards Effective Soil Management in Amucha Community, Imo State, Nigeria
by Pat Duru, Ojinma C. Chux, Umo Ikpong Sunday

Abstract:
With the continuous prevalence of climate change impacts, the areas suitable for agriculture, length of growing season and with potentials of high yield for staples food are all projected to decline. Some African Countries may experience decrease in agricultural yields by 50 percent by 2050 with the possibility of net revenue falling by 90 percent during the 21st century (IPCC, 2007 and Rutashobya, 2008). To guard against this projected doom, this study is initiated to examine ways rural farmers can be empowered to facilitate effective soil management for sustainable crop productivity in Amucha community of Imo State, Nigeria. A total of 480 respondents comprising farmers and stakeholders were systematically selected for study using survey instruments (checklist, questionnaire and interview). Data were analyzed descriptively using percentages and the use of multivariate tables. Results revealed generally that gender and age have strong influences on farmers? attitude towards soil management; also, low capital/poverty 113(24%), climate variability 112(23%) and local geomorphology (slope, soil) 61(13%) which rank 1st, 2nd and 3rd were identified as the three most outstanding factors militating against farmers effectiveness towards soil management. Again, agricultural loan insurance/health services and agricultural/extension services were farmers? major preference of capability enhancement variables constituting a total of 662(68.9%) in the series. This paper recommends that (1) training local farmers should be geared towards changing the negative attitudes and enhancement of youths to embrace farming; (2) emphasis must be laid on building the capital and technological capabilities of farmers and; (3) enabling local farmers to be adapted to the local geomorphology and climate variability of their areas. Enhancing the capabilities of these local farmers will improve local strategy, soil management abilities and boost soil capabilities for sustainable agriculture.

Keywords: soil management; farmer�s capability; climate variability; local geomorphology, and local strategy

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