Challenges Faced by Cassava Farmers Due to Open Grazing in Anambra State, Nigeria

This study examined the challenges faced by cassava farmers due to open grazing in Anambra State. A combination of purposive and simple random sampling techniques was used in selecting the respondents. Data were collected using a well structured interview schedule and questionnaires. The data obtained from the farmers were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that (53.8%) of the farmers were male, (43.3%) were married with a mean age of 46.4 years. Also, majority (98.3%) were literate, with a mean farming experience of 28.6 years and a mean farm size of 0.761 hectares. Furthermore, majority of the farmers (59.6%) do not belong to a cooperative society, and (51.9%) had no access to credit, while (52.9%) of the farmers, had no access to extension services, with a mean output of 13.53 tons. The result also revealed through a 5-point Likert scale and a mean threshold of 3.0 for decision making that variables with a mean score of 3.0 and above which represent challenges faced by the cassava farmers in the study area while those below 3.0 are not in agreement and they are as follows: Loss of lives (M=4.50), destruction of crops (M=4.50), Compromise by the security agents and traditional leaders (M=3.09) and Confrontation between herdsmen and farmers (M=3.01). The study recommended that the government and its relevant stakeholders should strengthen anti-open grazing laws with strict enforcement and adequate disciplinary actions should be meted out to anyone who breaks these laws while promoting farmer-herder dialogue to resolve conflicts amicably.