Assessment of Organic Waste Utilisation for Agricultural Soil Improvement Among Smallholder Farmers in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Organic waste utilisation through composting and manure application represents an affordable and environmentally sustainable approach to maintaining soil fertility in smallholder farming systems. In Enugu State, where chemical fertiliser prices have escalated and soil organic matter levels are declining across many cultivated areas, organic waste-based soil management strategies offer significant untapped potential. This study assessed organic waste utilisation practices for agricultural soil improvement among smallholder farmers in Enugu State. A sample of 96 farming households from three local government areas was selected using systematic random sampling. Structured questionnaires gathered data on waste generation, composting practices, manure use, soil management knowledge, and perceived soil quality trends. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied. Results revealed that only 34 percent of households composted crop residues regularly, and manure application was largely confined to livestock-owning households constituting 41 percent of the sample. Farmers citing knowledge gaps on composting techniques were three times more likely to dispose of crop residues through burning. Those applying organic matter consistently reported better soil water retention and fewer pest problems. The study recommends integrating practical composting training into Enugu State extension services and promoting crop residue incorporation as a standard recommendation within soil fertility management advisory programmes. Keywords: organic waste, soil improvement, composting, Enugu State, smallholder farmers.