Technology Impact on the Society
Current Research Journal of Social Sciences 3(2): 54-58, 2011 ISSN: 2041-3246 © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011 Received: September 18, 2010 Accepted: November 01, 2010
Published: March 30, 2011
Land Fragmentation and Agricultural Development in Tivland of Benue State, Nigeria
V.V. Kakwagh, 2J.A. Aderonmu and 3A. Ikwuba 1 Department of Sociology, 2 Department of Political Science, Kogi State University, Anyigba-Nigeria 3 Department of Sociology, Benue State University, Makurdi-Nigeria
Abstract: This study examines the impact of land fragmentation on agricultural development in Tivland of Benue State, Nigeria. The study reveals that the land tenure system in Tivland encourages partitioning of land based on inheritance. A development which leads to excessive subdivision of land into plots of small sizes that are scattered over long walking distances. The study argues that due to small nature of farm sizes, farmers only engage in subsistence farming with barely surplus to generate income. Besides, the dispersal of land holdings and unstaggered planting does not allow the land to be put into effective productive use. The study recommends that policies and agricultural programmes in Nigeria should take into cognizance the existing land tenure systems and the problems that emanate from them. In addition, problems associated with small sized farms and dispersal of holdings can be resolved through the provision of infrastructural facilities. Finally, irrigation facilities should be introduced in Tivland to boost dry season farming. Key words: Agriculture, irrigation farming, land fragmentation, land holding, Tivland INTRODUCTION In Nigeria, despite the dominance of the oil sector, agriculture still plays significant roles in economic development. It provides food for the growing population and raw materials for industries. It also serves as a source for foreign exchange and capital formation (Awotide and Agbola, 2010). Nigeria is endowed with enormous arable land.
Published: March 30, 2011
Land Fragmentation and Agricultural Development in Tivland of Benue State, Nigeria
V.V. Kakwagh, 2J.A. Aderonmu and 3A. Ikwuba 1 Department of Sociology, 2 Department of Political Science, Kogi State University, Anyigba-Nigeria 3 Department of Sociology, Benue State University, Makurdi-Nigeria
Abstract: This study examines the impact of land fragmentation on agricultural development in Tivland of Benue State, Nigeria. The study reveals that the land tenure system in Tivland encourages partitioning of land based on inheritance. A development which leads to excessive subdivision of land into plots of small sizes that are scattered over long walking distances. The study argues that due to small nature of farm sizes, farmers only engage in subsistence farming with barely surplus to generate income. Besides, the dispersal of land holdings and unstaggered planting does not allow the land to be put into effective productive use. The study recommends that policies and agricultural programmes in Nigeria should take into cognizance the existing land tenure systems and the problems that emanate from them. In addition, problems associated with small sized farms and dispersal of holdings can be resolved through the provision of infrastructural facilities. Finally, irrigation facilities should be introduced in Tivland to boost dry season farming. Key words: Agriculture, irrigation farming, land fragmentation, land holding, Tivland INTRODUCTION In Nigeria, despite the dominance of the oil sector, agriculture still plays significant roles in economic development. It provides food for the growing population and raw materials for industries. It also serves as a source for foreign exchange and capital formation (Awotide and Agbola, 2010). Nigeria is endowed with enormous arable land.
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