Factors influencing the neglect and underutilization of locally available spices in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The contribution of locally available spices (LAS) such as Aframomum melegueta, to the economic liberation of poor rural farmers, cannot be overemphasized. This study was conducted in Osun State to examine the benefits and determine the factors influencing the underutilization of the spices.Three hundred and sixty (360) respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Validated and pre-tested structured interview schedule was used to source the information. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data collected. The results revealed that benefits derived from LAS were medicinal and economical. About 86.7 percent of the farmers cultivating the LAS were male and landowners through inheritance. Some (49.4 %) of the respondents operated at a low level of cultivation. The t-test revealed reductions in the cultivation of Piper guineensis (t= 10.140), Aframomum
melegueta (t = 9.161) at (P≤ 0.05). There is a positive and significant correlation (P≤ 0.05) between the level of cultivation of LAS and perceived benefits: food (r = 0.285), social (r = 0.228), economic (r = 0.215). Factors influencing underutilization of LAS are farmers' motivation (λ = 5.650), environmental friendliness (λ = 3.104), community information system (λ = 2.065), farmers' psychology (λ = 1.825).
In conclusion, the identified LAS were found to be beneficial but underutilized due to the inadequate availability of planting materials and processing techniques in the study area. LAS planting materials should be researched on and made available to the farmers.