PERCEIVED EFFECT OF COMPOUND FARMING ON FAMILY SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed the effect of compound farming on family sustainable livelihood in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Primary data were utilized in the study and were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire, interviews and observations from 120 compound farming households through a multistage random sampling technique. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that compound farming enterprise was dominated by women mostly with primary and secondary education with a mean household size of 5 persons. Cassava (Manihot Esculenta), maize (Zea Mays), Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), and oil palm (Elaeis Guineansis) were the most cultivated tuber, cereal, vegetable and tree crops respectively, while, poultry was the most reared livestock in the study area. The mean monthly income of compound farming in the study area was revealed to be ₦125,208.00 monthly. The major contribution of compound farming to sustainable livelihood in Nsukka LGA among others is the provision of food for daily consumption. The challenges encountered in the practice of compound farming among others include lack of interest in farm activities and lack of knowledge and skills in the relevant/desired agricultural practice or operation. It was recommended that frequent workshops/seminars and trainings be organized by extension agents for livestock and crop farmers. Also, that compound farmers should form and belong to cooperative or self-help societies as it will help them to easily pool their resources together and attract loans from the government and financial institutions.