In addressing the problem of low soil fertility and land degradation occasioned by increased population growth, erosion of soil nutrients and extreme exposure of land to harsh weather conditions resulting in reduced yam yield, mulching technology was adopted by the farmers in Osun State, Nigeria. This study used a multi-stage sampling technique to select 105 farmers involving adopters and non-adopters of mulching technology. Data were analysed with the aid of descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques and probit model. The results of budgetary analysis showed that seed yam and labour costs constituted significant parts of the variable costs. The average revenue per hectare for adopters was N412,971.69 while that of non-adopters was N346,456.75. However, the average net incomes were N326,865.02 and N236,087.40 for the adopters and non-adopters, respectively. The benefit-cost ratios were 4.79 and 3.13 for adopters and non-adopters, respectively. The probit model revealed that household size and hired labour were significant factors determining the farmers' adoption decisions. There is therefore the need to encourage farmers on the importance of adopting this land protecting technology and a policy thrust that make seed yam available and affordable as well as reducing the costs incurred on labour will be in the right direction of boosting yam production.

In addressing the problem of ill-health and risks associated with the use of pesticides, health and safety practices were advocated among cocoa farmers in the area. The study was therefore conducted to investigating safety options the farmers were aware of as well as the factors influencing their adherence to the safety precautions. Descriptive statistics and Ordered probit model were used to analysed data collected from 480 respondents using multi-stage sampling technique. Descriptive statistics revealed that the average age of the farmers was 54±12.5years. Farmers were aware of the use of eye glasses, nose mask, mouth cover, protective clothing, protective boot, hand glove as well as washing/bathing after application and disposing off chemical container but adopt only the protective boot, protective clothing and wash/bath after application. Farmers' adherence to safety practices in the area was influenced by age, number of extension contact, cocoa income, livestock income as well as level of education. It is therefore important for development organisations and relevant government agencies to put in place policy thrust that would improve extension service, educate farmers as well as encourage them on the need to strictly adhere to Safety Precautions in Pesticides Use for efficiency and health of farmers.

As parts of the efforts to reduce land degradation and hence improve farm productivity, farmers in the area were introduced to various land conservation technologies. The study was thus conducted to investigate the determinants of land conservation technologies in the area. Data collected through a multi-stage sampling procedure were analysed with the aid of descriptive statistics and multinomial logit model. Findings revealed significant difference between socio-economic characteristics of the respondents such as age (p≤0.01), household size (p≤0.01), farm size (p≤0.01), value of livestock (p≤0.01) and off-farm income (p≤0.01). Findings further revealed that level of education, extension contact and land ownership significantly influenced farmers adoption of mulching, cover cropping and tree planting respectively. On the other hand, while age of respondents reduced farmers' adoption of mulching and tree planting, membership of association increased the adoption of cover cropping. Government through her agencies and other development organizations should therefore put in place policy framework that would educate the farmers through regular extension contact and also carry out a review of land ownership rights in the study area. This would enhance farmers' adoption of conservation options and hence, sustainable production.

In addressing the problem of land degradation as well as enhancing sustainable food production, agroforestry was advocated among the arable crop farmers in the area. The study was thus conducted to investigate the determinants as well as the constraints of agroforestry technology adoption in Ondo State, Nigeria. Data collected from a multi-stage sampling procedure were analysed with the aid of descriptive statistics and double hurdle model. Findings revealed that the mean age, farming experience, level of education, and plot age were 58.6 ± 13.3, 31.9 ± 13.8, 7 ± 6.3, and 30.3 ± 10.5, respectively. While the number of adult male and extension contact increased the intensity of agroforestry adoption, value of livestock reduced the technology adoption. This implies that varying factors affect farmers' decision to adopt and intensity of use. The major constraint of agroforestry practice in the area is insecure land tenure. Policy thrust that would enhance farmers' access to extension service and redistribute land should be put in place.

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