FARMERS' PERCEPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PRACTICES: A CASE STUDY OF DUNDAYE DISTRICT IN SOKOTO STATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT A survey was conducted to determine the level of environmental awareness of farmers and strategies they adopt to ensure sustainable natural resource utilization. To achieve the study objectives, 120 farmers were randomly selected from 12 villages within Dundaye District in Wammako Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Questionnaires were used to generate data on socio-economic characteristics of farmers, their extent of awareness of the environment and strategies they adopt to sustain the environment. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results of the analysis revealed that farmers were conscious of the environment. A downward trend in erosion hazards and an increase in the amount and duration of rainfall were reported by the farmers. Nevertheless. majority agreed that it is necessary to adopt measures to sustain the environment. Tree planting. application of farmyard manure, mixed cropping. mulching, rim water harvesting and crop rotation are some of the measures adopted to varying degrees by the farmers to sustain their farming environment. Shortage of tree seedlings, destruction of seedlings by livestock and water shortage, were reported as major constraints to tree planting. Considering the significance of trees in the real, the State Ministry of Forestry and Animal Health and others concerned with forest development in the State have the challenge of making tree seedlings available to farmers in adequate numbers. Additionally. farmers should be assisted to raise their own tree seedlings individually and in groups. Distribution of fencing wires at subsidised rates to farmers should also be considered. Furthermore, water harvesting techniques need to be popularised in the area as a strategy against water shortage and to promote crop production throughout the year.