Knowledge level of rural vegetable farmers on sustainable production in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Sustainability is the new global targets for improving people’s lives around the world. Most academics, researchers and practitioners apply the concept to connote improving and sustaining a healthy economic, ecological and social system for human development. This study assessed the knowledge level of rural vegetable farmers on sustainable production in Enugu State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 120 respondents for the study. Structured interview schedule was used for data collection and the data was analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean statistics analysis and Pearson correlation model. Results revealed that majority (95.8%) of the respondents made used personal experience as main source of information on sustainable vegetable production practices, 89.2% indicated obtaining information on sustainable vegetable production practices from relatives and neighbors, 80.0% indicated obtaining information on sustainable vegetable production practices from radio. Majority (92.5%) of the respondents have moderate knowledge of sustainable vegetable production. Result revealed that there is a very high significant positive correlation between the sustainability practices of the rural vegetable farmers and their knowledge level (R=0.280, P=0.02). Improved access to information on sustainable vegetable production through face-to-face extension teaching method and other media will advance the knowledge level and use of sustainable production practices by rural vegetable farmers.