Benue State University, Makurdi

Impact of Urban Sprawl on Agricultural Development around the Fringes of Makurdi Metropolis, Nigeria

Veronica Mbanengen Agaji and Daniel Peverga Dam

Abstract

The study examines the impacts of urban sprawl on agricultural development around the fringes of Makurdi metropolis, Nigeria. Data on the impacts of urban sprawl on cropping system, farm labour, crops grown and farm sizes were collected from 380 urban sprawl residents on the fringes of Makurdi metropolis using questionnaire, and physical observation. The data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics presented in tables, charts. The results of the study shows that crop rotation was the dominant (41.8% ) cropping system in the study area 10 years ago now accounts for only 22.4%. On the hand, mixed cropping system which was least practiced accounting for 26.6% in the study area 10years ago now, accounts for 52.4%. This implies that urban sprawl has reduced agricultural land thereby making the people to plant many crops on the same piece of land for maximum output. The result also shows that family labour 10years ago accounted for 64.4% and was the dominant source of farm labour whereas at present, it has been reduced to only 49%. This implies a shift away from agricultural practices by many families which now depends on hired labour which currently accounts for 38.4% as against 25.3% 10years ago. The result shows noticeable increase in smaller farmland sizes from 37.6% 10years ago to 48.1% as at 2024 while large farm size of 5 hectares and above that accounted for 17.1% 10years ago now accounts for only 11.8%. The study underscores the need for effective urban planning and land-use policies to balance urban expansion with the preservation of agricultural land, ensuring sustainable development and food security in the region.

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