Analysis of constraints to agricultural production in the Sudan Savanna zone of Nigeria using multi-scale characterization

Abstract

A multi-scale characterization approach was used to identify the major constraints to agricultural production and to describe the major production systems in the Sudan Savanna Zone of northern Nigeria. Relative emphasis was placed on the household-level characterization to have a better understanding of the land use system, farmers' constraints and opportunities, so as to better target agricultural technologies and interventions in this vast agro-ecological zone. Large variations exist in agricultural management practices among villages and households in terms of access to resources, such as labour, fertilizers, livestock, farm equipment, and land. Intensive and extensive farming practices co-exist within the same villages and households. Results were also used to identify benchmark sites.