Productivity Differential of Selected Land Use Systems in Imo State, Nigeria

This paper examined the productivity differential of selected land use systems in Imo State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire
was used to collect data from 114 farmers using purposive sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics and partial and total factor productivity models. Results showed that over (45.6%) of the sampled farmers practiced
continuous cropping relative to shifting cultivation and crop rotation system due to the limited supply of land prevalent in
the area. Amongst the crops cultivated in the area, cassava production with a mean output of about 8920.10kg dominated the
area with all the farmers cultivating it alongside with other arable crops. Across the zones, the continuous cropping system
produced the highest mean inputs and the lowest outputs. This result also reflected in the pooled data as shown in the table.
Again, the PFP and TFP levels were low in the continuous cropping system relative to shifting cultivation and crop rotation.
Consequently, crop rotation showed high levels of PFP and TFP across the various zones in the State which ranges from
3.52 to 11.16. Based on this, farmers in the area were advised to intensify the use of crop rotation system to ensure maximum
output and high productivity at all times. Again, ADP extension agents should take the responsibility of assisting the rural
farmers on the use of crop rotation system due to its technicality.