Assessment of agro-crop biodiversity among smallholder farmers in Kogi State, Northern Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to assess crop diversity among smallholder farmers in Kogi State, Northern Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to choose 302 crop farmers, and a well-structured questionnaire was used to generate the data. The information gathered was analysed using the Shannon and Simpson indices and the Poisson and Tobit regression models. The results show that crop production was dominated by male farmers on plots averaging 1.8 ha in size, with an average number of three crops grown per plot. The average values for the Shannon index and Simpson index are 0.34 and 0.85, respectively. The socio-economic factors explaining crop diversity in the area were the farmers’ age, level of education, household size, farm size and income. This study indicates policy strategies are needed that enhance technical knowledge and raise awareness of agro-crop biodiversity management. It also reveals a need for an increase in rural farm household incomes and greater investment in land reforms at both local and national levels in Nigeria. Key policy insights agro-crop diversity ecosystem environmental sustainability polyculture smallholders