Authors : Dr. Lan, Mercy Terngu; Dr. Eje, Amuche Elom

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/58h8fnsp

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3esdue6z

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun011

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : The study sought to identify the competency improvement needs of farmers in soil erosion management technique for sustainable farming in Benue State. The study had three specific objectives, three research questions were answered. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study was 10,423 persons comprising 10400 farmers and 23 agricultural extension agents. Taro Yamemi formular was used to draft 385 (362 farmers and 23 agricultural extension agents). The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled Competency Improvement Needs of Farmers in Soil Erion Management Technique Questionnaire (CINFSEMTQ) containing 30 items. The instrument was divided into need and performance categories and were structured in a 4-points response options. Data were collected by the researcher and 5 research assistants. 378 copies of the instrument representing 98 percent were retrieved for analyses using discrepancy model. It was found from the study that farmers need competency improvement in 10 items each of biological, chemical and organic techniques of soil erosion management. Among the recommendations made were that: government should organize training for the farmers on the right use of the chemical techniques of soil erosion management in a way that it would not cause significant side effect to the soil.

Keywords : Competency Improvement, Soil Erosion Management, Farmers and Sustainable Farming.

References :

1. Adams, A.M., Gillespie, A.W., Dhillon, G.S., Kar, G., Minielly, C., Koala, S., Ouattara, B., Kimaro, A. A., Bationo, A., Schoenau, J. J and Peak, D (2020). Long-term effects of integrated soil fertility management practices on soil chemical properties in the Sahel. Geoderma. 2020; (366)114207. 
2. Adolwa, I.S, Schwarze, S, Buerkert, A (2019). Impacts of integrated soil fertility management on yield and household income: the case of Tamale (Ghana) and Kakamega (Kenya). Ecol Econ. 2019 (161)186–192.
3. Ape, A.F (2021). Skill improvement need in erosion control for sustainable crop production in Benue State. Unpublished research project. Department of agricultural education, college of education Oju.
4. Azare, E.T (2021). Effect of biochemical methods on soil erosion control in riverine areas of GWeske, Uganda. Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation 4 (3) 80-95
5. Ben-Hur, M., Malik, M., Letey, J and Mingelgrin, U (2021). Absorption of polymers on clays as affected by clay charge and structure, polymer properties, and water quality. Soil Sci. 2021 (153) 349–356.
6. Eje, A. E (2018). Skill improvement needs of poultry farmers in Duck production in Enugu State, Nigeria. International Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology 8 (1) 77-89
7. Eze S, Dougill AJ, Banwart SA, Sallu SM, Mgohele RN, Senkoro C. J (2022). Assessing soil system changes under climate-smart agriculture via farmers’ observations and conventional soil testing. Land Degrad Dev. 33(14):263546.
8. Eze, S.O (2013). Principles and practice of soil management. The Gambia; Esyst Gambia limited
9. Gambo, A., Fullen, M.A. and Baldwin, T.C (2025). Indigenous farmers’ knowledge and perception of desertification and soil erosion in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Discov. Soil 2, (22) 62-73
10. Hörner D, Wollni M (2021). Integrated soil fertility management and household welfare in Ethiopia. Food Policy. 2021 (100):102022. 
11. Miller, W.P., Willis, R.L and Levy, G. J. (2019). Aggregate stabilization in kaolinitic soils by low rates of anionic polyacrylamide. Soil Use Manag. 2019, (14) 101–105.
12. Ogar, C.I (2023). Skills required by secondary school teacher in soil erosion management for effective utilization of school farm in Jigawa State. Journal of Agricultural and Natural Resources Conservation 2 (4) 39-50
13. Olaitan, S.O., Asogwa, V.C. and Abu, M. (2011) Technology Competency Training Modules Required by Secondary School Graduates in E-Waste Management in Agribusiness. A paper presented at the Institute of Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka.
14. Onu, F. and Mohammed, A. (2014) Competency Improvement Needs of Farmers in Soil Erosion Prevention and Control for Enhancing Crop Production: Case Study of Kogi State, Nigeria. Agricultural Sciences, 5, 958-963. doi: 10.4236/as.2014.511103.
15. Oodo, O.E.H., Eje, A.E., Okorie, V.C., Wever, D.G & Izuka, C.E (2024). Competency improvement needs of secondary school graduates in breeding for enrty into pig production occupation in Benue State. International Academy Journal of Agribusiness and Agricultural Science Annals 8 (8) 17-30
16. Rodrigo-Comino, J.; Giménez-Morera, A.; Panagos, P.; Pourghasemi, H.R.; Pulido, M and Cerdà, A (2019). The potential of straw mulch as a nature-based solution in olive groves treated with glyphosate. A biophysical and socio-economic assessment. Land Degrad. Dev. 2019.
17. Tisdall, J. M.; Oades, J.M (2018). Organic matter and water-stable aggregates in soils. J. Soil Sci. 2018, (33), 141–163.
18. Tugrul, Y., Jesús, R. and Artemi, C. (2019). Potential Benefits of Polymers in Soil Erosion Control for Agronomical Plans: A Laboratory Experiment. Agronomy, 9 (6), 276;
19. Xiong, M., Sun, R and Chen, L (2018). Effects of soil conservation techniques on water erosion control: a global analysis. Sci Total Environ. 2018 (645) :753–60.