The Role of Indigenous Land Classification and Management Practices in Sustaining Land Use System in the Semi-Arid Zone of Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study describes the traditional land classification and management strategies employed by farmers and their role in the sustainability of the land use system in the semi-arid zone of Nigeria. One hundred and seventy farmers were selected through a combination of simple and systematic random sampling techniques. Discussions were held with them using a structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

The study shows that farmers classify their farmlands on the basis of distance from the village and in terms of water supply. The karakara (homestead farm land) surrounds the village, usually more manured, under permanent cultivation and more frequently used for mixed cropping. The gona daji (bush land) is far from the village, not farmed permanently, and less frequently used for mixed cropping. The fadama (wet land) is a low-lying seasonally inundated farm land. It is usually cultivated all year round, sometimes with supplementary irrigation during the dry season. The gona tudu (rain fed land) is upland farm cultivable only during the rainy season. In terms of management there is considerable overlap between the gona tudu, gona daji and the karakara and this is often affected by farmers perceived soil fertility status, type of crops grown on the land, and available resources.

The study concludes with recommendations including in-depth study and analysis of farmers' practices which would lead to better targeting of research and extension activities.

KEYWORDS:

• Indigenous
• land classification
• land use
• Nigeria