TERRACING FARMING: THE PRIMARY AGRICULTURAL LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICE IN TULA, KALTUNGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study aimed at evaluating the agricultural land use management practices in Tula town, Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted for this where information was derived through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The FGDs were conducted with local farmers, agricultural extension agents, and community leaders to gather insights on the current agricultural land use practices in Tula town. The study design was largely qualitative in nature, where emphasis was placed on personal experience and interpretations through face-to-face contact between the researcher and the subject of the research. The findings of the study showed that terracing was regarded as the primary agricultural land management practice used by 80% of the respondents because of the region's topography, population pressure, and land tenure system, with amongst other factors. In addition, the study also revealed that terracing was found to be effective in preventing soil erosion and improving water retention, which were crucial for sustainable agriculture in the region. Furthermore, the respondents expressed their satisfaction with the overall benefits of terracing, such as increased crop yields and reduced vulnerability to climate change impacts. The study recommended that the government enhance extension work services and ensure prompt distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers in order to improve farming in the study area and meet the demands of the region's expanding population. Similarly, the study recommended the implementation of training programs for farmers to enhance their knowledge and skills in sustainable agricultural practices. This would enable farmers to effectively manage natural resources and mitigate environmental degradation. Moreover, the study emphasized the importance of promoting collaboration between government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and local communities to develop and implement comprehensive strategies for sustainable agriculture in the region.