Determinants of Land Productivity among Arable Crop Farmers Using Sustainable Soil Management Techniques in Imo State

The magnitude of soil management techniques engaged by the crop farmers determines to an extent the level of land productivity of the farmers. This study examined thedeterminants of land pproductivity among arable crop farmers using sustainable soil management techniques in Imo State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random
sampling technique was used to select 209 arable crop farmers for this study. Information on the objectives of this study was elicited from the sampled respondents
through a well-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as the mean, productivity index and ordinary least squares
multiple regression models. The mean productivity ratio was 0.049, which became a threshold for the classification of the productivity ratios of the farmers
into high and low productivity. Results showed that majority of the arable crop farmers, 50.7 percent had a high productivity level relative to 49.3 percent with low
productivity level. Extension contacts of the crop farmers may have guided the high productivity levels of the farmers. Constraints associated with land productivity were categorized into major and minor constraints. The major constraints includes scarcity of farmlands, high cost of farm inputs, inadequate capital, erosion challenges and poor storage facilities with mean values of 0.98, 0.97, 0.96, 0.94, and 0.93 respectively.
Age of the farmer, household size, land tenure systems, farming experience, extension contact, level of education, and SSMT were significant determinants of
land productivity of crop farmers at 1% and 5% levels. Policies to boost up the rural economy and land productivity should be formulated and implemented via
the intensification of improved land management techniques, land reforms, and resource use efficiency of the farmers.