STRATEGIES FOR INVOLVING CROP FARMERS IN AGRICULTURAL BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN OBUBRA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, CROSS RIVER STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined strategies for involving crop farmers in agricultural biodiversity conservation in Obubra Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 126 crop farmers from 18 villages, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and means. Findings revealed that most respondents were young (25–45 years), female (54.8%), and had secondary education as their highest qualification (36.5%). The major crops cultivated were cassava, yam, and maize. The primary reasons for agricultural biodiversity conservation included food (33.3%), medicinal purposes (21.4%), and industrial materials (10.3%). Major roles played by farmers in biodiversity conservation included crop rotation/intercropping (mean = 3.43), conservation of indigenous crop varieties (mean = 3.40), and agroforestry systems (mean = 3.35). Major challenges identified were lack of funds (mean = 3.32), poverty (mean = 3.02), and population growth (mean = 2.95). The study concludes that crop farmers play a significant role in biodiversity conservation through the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, although their efforts are constrained by financial and institutional limitations. It recommends that government and development agencies should strengthen policy support, improve farmers’ access to credit and extension services, and promote awareness on biodiversity conservation for sustainable agricultural development and environmental resilience in rural communities.