Adoption of regenerative agricultural practices among maize farmers in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined adoption of regenerative agricultural practices among maize farmers in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 130 farmers through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and logit regression model. Results showed that maize farming in the area is largely practiced by middle-aged male farmers, most of whom manage small farms and rely on family labour. Farmers mainly learn about regenerative practices through friends, family members, farmer groups, and maize associations, highlighting the influence of informal networks. Adoption levels were highest for practices such as minimum tillage, organic manure application, crop rotation, and cover cropping methods that are affordable and easy to incorporate. Practices like agroforestry, irrigation, and mulching were adopted by far fewer farmers. It was found that farm size, household size, income, and age significantly influenced whether farmers adopted RAPs, showing that socioeconomic conditions shape adoption decisions. Farmers still face major challenges, including weak extension services, limited access to improved seeds, high input costs, and inadequate credit support. It can concluded that while many farmers are embracing key RAPs, improving access to quality information, reliable extension support, and affordable inputs is essential for wider and effective adoption of RAPs.

 Keywords: Adoption, Farmers, Farming Systems, Katsina, Maize and Regenerative Agricultural Practices