Factors Influencing Adoption of Organic Farming Practices Among Vegetable Farmers in Plateau State

This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of organic farming practices among vegetable farmers in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Growing consumer awareness of food safety and pesticide residue concerns, combined with rising inorganic fertiliser costs, has increased interest in organic production methods among Nigerian vegetable farmers. Plateau State, with its temperate climate and history of intensive vegetable cultivation, provides a relevant context for examining organic adoption dynamics. This study uses a survey design, collecting data from 200 vegetable farmers in Jos North, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu local government areas. Organic farming practices assessed include compost use, biological pest control, crop rotation, and elimination of synthetic pesticides. Binary logistic regression identifies adoption determinants. Findings reveal that only 28 percent of sampled farmers have adopted any formal organic practice. Access to organic farming training, proximity to urban markets with premium-price consumers, and farmer environmental awareness are significant positive adoption predictors. High labour requirements for composting and the absence of formal organic certification infrastructure are significant adoption barriers. The study concludes that organic farming adoption in Plateau State is constrained by training access and market development gaps. It recommends organic farming extension programmes, compost demonstration plots, and development of an organic produce premium market linkage with Abuja and Jos urban consumers.

Keywords: organic farming, adoption, vegetable farmers, Plateau State, sustainable agriculture.