Does Conservation Agriculture Matters in Swazis’ Economy? Evidence from Maize Producing Farmers in Ngwempisi Rural Development Area of Swaziland

The purpose of the study was to determine the economic impact of conservation agriculture on maize production in the Ngwempisi Rural Development Area of Swaziland. Data were obtained from maize farmers distributed equally among farmers practicing conservation agriculture and conventional agriculture. Data obtained were analyzed by the use of descriptive analysis as well as budgeting technique of analysis. Results showed that maize farmers operating under conservation agriculture obtained higher profit level with an average gross margin of about E 3609 compared with an average gross margin of about E161 obtained for maize farmers who operated under conventional agriculture. Majority of farmers practicing conservation agriculture were males with an average age of about 48 years. It was recommended that famers who are currently not practicing conservation agriculture should adopt the method. Key words: Conservation agriculture, production, input costs, Swazilan

Effect of Soil Conservation Investment on Efficiency of Cassava Production in Oyo State of Nigeria

The study examined the effect of soil conservation investment on efficiency of cassava production in Oyo State of Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 80 representative samples of cassava farmers from whom data for the analysis were obtained. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings of the study showed that cassava production was dominated by male farmers who were in their active farming years. The most prominent soil conservation methods practiced by cassava farmers were: bush fallowing, manuring, mulching, crop- rotation and herbicide except fertilizer that was averagely used. It was found that farm size had a negative influence on soil conservation investment while farming experience had positive influence on it. Key words: Soil Conservation Investment, Efficiency, Cassava production, Oyo Stat