Determinants of land-use intensity among cassava farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria

This study explores the determinants of land use intensity among cassava farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria, through an analysis based on a sample of 100 farming households.Utilizing descriptive statistics and a Tobit regression model, the research delineates the socio-economic characteristics influencing land use practices.Key findings reveal that the majority of cassava farmers are middle-aged men with substantial farming experience, primarily engaging in sole cropping on smallholder farms.Notably, the study identifies marital status, years of education, farming experience, and household size as significant predictors of land use intensity.Specifically, larger household sizes correlate with higher land use intensity, reflecting the pressure to meet increased subsistence needs.Additionally, mixed cropping is shown to result in greater land use intensity than sole cropping, suggesting that diversification may be employed as a strategy to maximize land output.These insights emphasize the need for sustainable land management practices and targeted educational programs to foster effective resource use and enhance agricultural productivity in Ondo State.This study's findings offer crucial considerations for policy formulations aimed at sustainable farming enhancements in similar regions.