Profiling the Factors that Affect the Adoption of Good Agronomical Practices (GAP) in Smallholding Maize Farming in Southwestern Nigeria

This study investigates the factors affecting the adoption of Good Agronomy Practices (GAP) in maize farming within Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to select 120 smallholder farmers from five districts in Ikenne. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires focusing on socio-economic characteristics, factors that affects the agronomy practices such as land clearing, mulching just to mention few and constraints faced by farmers. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Likert Scale. The findings revealed that the adoption of GAP is significantly influenced by socio-economic factors such as age, sex, marital status, family size, educational level, farming experience.95% of the sample were married ,the age group with highest percentage is 41-45 with 43.3% majority of the respondents have a touch with education with secondary school having 41% and farm size However, several constraints hinder adoption, including limited access to quality inputs, high input costs, inadequate credit facilities, and insufficient extension services. The study concludes that enhancing farmers’ access to education, financial resources, and extension services are crucial for promoting the adoption of GAP in maize farming. Addressing these constraints can improve maize productivity and profitability, contributing to food security and sustainable agricultural development in the region.