Analysis of Weed Management Practices among Small Scale Farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

The study analysed weed management practices among small scale farmers in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of all registered farmers in the State. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through interview to 120 small scale farmers (respondents) selected using multistage sampling techniques. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that 63.3% of the respondents were aged between 21 and 40 years, 50% each were male and female, 44.2% were married, 58.3% had a household size of between 6 and 8 persons, 60.8% had farm size of 2 hectares, 73.3% had estimated annual income of ₦50,000.0 ($120.25), 65.8% of the respondents obtained information on weeds management from radio, 94.2% controlled weeds using manual method, x ̅=2.93 perceived weeds control using agrochemicals as spending more money. The result of binary logistic regression indicated that household size (0.421) and estimated annual income (0.000) had a positive and significant effect on control of weeds at 5% while educational qualification (-1.472) had a negative and significant effect on the control of weeds at 5%. There is no best way of controlling weeds, however, weeds are managed based on the type of farm practice adopted by the farmer and the most effective method of managing weeds is achieved through a combination of different methods. It is recommended that agricultural extension workers should enlighten farmers on weeds control practices, use of agrochemicals for weeds control and government and Non-governmental organizations should make available specialized equipment for application of agrochemicals for weeds control.