Ajieh, P. Chuks
Abstract
Alley farming is an agroforesty system in which food or forage crops are grown in the "alleys" between hedgerows of
trees and shrubs. It is designed to be a sustainable alternative to traditional bush-fallow systems
(shifting cultivation). It is a low-input, improved bush-fallow system that can be sustained even under conditions of
land scarcity. This study examined the perception of farmers regarding alley farming. The study was carried out in
Ndokwa East Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was applied in
the selection of respondents. A sample size of 90 crop farmers participated in the study. Both descriptive and
inferential statistics were used in analyzing the data generated by the study. Results of the study show that the
farmers were favourably disposed to alley farming. However, they had some reservations about the high capital and
labour requirements and land tenure security associated with alley farming. The study concludes that the favourable
perception held by the farmers is an indication of their willingness to accept alley farming. It therefore recommends
that farmers who are willing to establish alley farms should be encouraged by giving them incentives in the form of
farm credit, farm implements, farming inputs, provision of labour and allocation of farm land.
Key words:
Alley farming, agroforestry, perception, Delta State, Nigeria.