Economic evaluation of agroforestry practices in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Evaluation of the economic aspects of agroforestry provide basis for estimating financial needs and feasibility, highlights trade-offs between multiple benefits and monitors economic efficiency in a given agroforestry system. This study evaluated the economic aspect of selected agroforestry practices in Ogun State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 240 respondents involved in agroforestry practices from four agricultural zones in Ogun State (Abeokuta, Ilaro, Ikenne and Ijebu-Ode). Data were collected with the aid of structured and pre-tested questionnaire administered interpersonally to the respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and cost and returns analysis. The mean age of the agroforestry farmers was 53 years; and the majority (76.7%) was male; married (89.6%), the average household size of six. Most of the respondents (64.5%) funded their farms from personal savings. The mean farming experience was 19 years and the mean farm size was 2.4 ha; while 68.8% acquired their lands through inheritance. Seven agroforestry practices were identified in the study area, out of which ‘scattered trees on farmland’ was predominantly practiced (77.5%) when prioritized according to the level of participation. The cost and returns analysis revealed that in all zones (pooled) the total revenue (TR) generated from agroforestry products was N411,135.40 ($2,055.70) and the net profit was N190,229.90 ($951.20). In each zone TR and net profits were Abeokuta [N467,879.17 ($2,339.40) and N296,369.62 ($1,481.80)]; Ijebu-ode (N284,049.17 ($1,420.30) and N134,426.57 ($672.10); Ilaro [N566,566.67 ($2,832.80) and N244,207.39 ($1,221.00)] and Ikenne [N326,046.67 ($1,630.00) and N124,266.98 ($621.00)] per hectare respectively. Conclusively, agroforestry practices were found to be profitable and capable of providing rural employment and contribute to food security in the study area.