Characterization of Smallholder Farming in Kori Chiefdom, Southern Region of Sierra Leone

Abstract

The study assessed the characteristics of smallholder farming by smallholder farmers in Kori Chiefdom, Moyamba District, Southern Sierra Leone . The study employed a descriptive survey research design. An interview schedule was used to obtain primary data from 154 smallholder farmers who were involved in agricultural projects in the chiefdom. The quantitative nature of the data was analysed with the help of the SPSS statistical software package. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages as well as inferential statistics involving regressing analysis were used to determine relationships between farming income and other income variables. Major findings from the demographic characteristics of the smallholder farmers show that more than half of the respondents are within the youthful population ( < 20 years=7.8%, 21-30 years=41%, and 31-40 years=19.48%) totaling 62.33% with male respondents accounting for 57.14%. While a significant percentage (44.16%) had no formal education, 32.46% also had only primary education. The study further shows that only 11.69% earned more than NLe 500 per month from the project. The stepwise regression also shows a relationship that farming and monthly incomes are R 2 =0.278; p=0.05 which implies that monthly income accounts for 27.78% of the respondents. The findings therefore suggest that literacy drive must be promoted among the respondents for the easy adoption of improved agricultural practices. Moreover, agri-business techniques must be promoted for farmers to handsomely earn from their farming activities.