Effects of Agricultural Practices and Socio-economic Characteristics on Biodiversity in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria

The study assessed the effects of agricultural practices on biodiversity in Olamaboro Local Government Are of Kogi State, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty (150) farmers (respondents) were sampled using simple random sampling technique from five council wards (30 farmers per council ward). Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Logit regression model. Results showed that 63% of the respondents were male, 56% were between 21-40 years, 61% were married, 46% were farmers, 58% acquired their land by inheritance with 24% having farming experience of 11-15 years and 37% owned a farm size between 1.01-2.0 hectares. Biodiversity was mostly lost through application of herbicides 36%, losses were more significant on species 48%, and use of agrochemical affected biodiversity most 43%. The results of Logit regression revealed that gender and land acquisition were some of the socio-economic characteristics that significantly affected biodiversity losses (p<0.10). It is recommended that agricultural practices with minimum disturbance to biodiversity should be practiced.