Factors influencing the inclusion of root and tuber crops in the cropping systems of farmers in oyo state, Nigeria

Root and tuber crops form the major subsistence staples in larger parts of sub-Saharan Africa. However, in Nigeria, root and tuber production relies mainly on smallholders that have multiple practices to choose from while considering crops to be included in their cropping systems. This study examined factors influencing the inclusion of root and tuber crops in the cropping systems among farmers in Oyo state. Data were collected from 360 farmers randomly selected using a structured interview schedule. Frequency counts, percentages and Chi-square were used for the data analysis. The study revealed that factors such as age ((χ2 = 337.600, P<0.01), high yield potential ((χ2 = 122.500, P < 0.01), availability of planting material ((χ2 = 544.150, P<0.01), compatibility with the cropping systems ((χ2 = 124.576, P<0.01), low risk involvement ((χ2 = 90.000, P<0.01) and low capital requirement ((χ2 = 168.500, P<0.01), farm size ((χ2 = 96.100, P < 0.01) and ease of management ((χ2 = 96.100, P < 0.01) significantly influenced the inclusion of root and tuber crops in the farmers’ cropping systems in the study area. The extension administrators should also intensify efforts at educating the farmers on the importance of root and tuber crops in the cropping systems.