Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 12.9 Mean and potential yield estimates of cereals on uncultivated
(underutilized) land
Crop
Mean
yield
(t/ha)
Potential
yield
(t/ha)
Mean yield
estimate for
250 ha (t)
Potential yield
estimate for
250 ha (t)
Upland rice
0.8-1.2
1.5-2.5
250
500
Lowland rice
1.0-2.0
2.5-8.0
375
1312.5
Maize
1.5-2.1
3.5-10.0
437.5
1687.5
Sorghum
0.5-1.2
2.0-2.5
212.5
562.5
Total
-
-
1275
4062.5
Source:
NCRI Survey, 1988.
Assumption made based on field work, 2001.
permitted to make their own decisions on the type of crop to cultivate and
where to do so. This is because crop yields vary greatly, being tied to fertility
levels of soil. A decrease in production is also associated with the theft of
crops, as well as with their destruction by roaming animals.
Finally, planning controls have significantly affected cereal production in
Zaria's urban area. Cultivation has been completely banned in some places,
whereas only tall crops have been banned in others. In addition, farming has
been banned on approximately 250 ha of arable land in Zaria's urban area.
Table 12.9 illustrates that when the average yield of cereal crops on 250 ha in
Zaria is compared with the potential yield, the ban on a 250-ha area creates
an annual loss of 1275.0-4062.5 tonnes of cereals. This production loss
naturally affects the total food supply of the city.
Constraints to urban agriculture - and farmers'
coping strategies
Despite the effects of physical-planning controls and regulations on UA in
Zaria, urban farmers have adopted various coping methods. As shown in
Figure 12.3, 44 per cent of respondents indicated they were involved in part-
time businesses, 22 per cent restricted their sale of produce, whereas 5 per cent
relied on assistance from friends and relatives. However, 6 per cent of the
respondents indicated that they did not have any other options to supplement
their family diets.
Table 12.10 shows an overview of the attitudes of different stakeholders
towards UA. Each was assessed by the researchers as to their general level of
sympathy and support for UA. Government agencies have proven to be
indecisive in providing land or protecting users' rights on land used for
agriculture. However, when the negative implications of UA on society
become severe, physical planners attempt to control UA. On the other hand,
society in general remains largely sympathetic to UA. People support farmers
