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Assessment of Farmers’ Knowledge of Bambara Groundnut Production Practices

Abstract

Bambara groundnut is an important indigenous legume crop that contributes to household food security, nutrition, income generation, and agricultural diversification. It is valued for its nutritional content, adaptability to different production conditions, and importance in local food systems. However, successful Bambara groundnut production requires adequate knowledge of recommended agronomic practices. Limited knowledge of appropriate production methods may affect crop establishment, management, yield, and quality. Assessing farmers’ knowledge of Bambara groundnut production practices is therefore important for identifying areas requiring technical support and agricultural information. This study will assess farmers’ knowledge of Bambara groundnut production practices. It will determine the level of farmers’ knowledge of recommended production practices and identify specific areas where knowledge gaps exist. The study will also examine farmers’ major sources of production information and their exposure to agricultural extension services, training programmes, farm demonstrations, and advisory activities. The study will focus on farmers’ knowledge of suitable varieties, seed selection, land preparation, planting time, planting methods, spacing, soil fertility management, fertilizer application, weed control, pest and disease management, moisture management, crop maintenance, harvesting, drying, threshing, sorting, and storage practices. It will also consider farmers’ access to extension agents, agricultural information, practical demonstrations, farmer training, and other sources of technical knowledge relating to Bambara groundnut production. A quantitative research approach will be adopted for the study. Data will be collected from Bambara groundnut farmers using structured questionnaires designed to assess their knowledge of recommended production practices and sources of agricultural information. The data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, knowledge-level assessment, frequency distributions, and appropriate inferential statistical techniques to examine factors associated with farmers’ knowledge of Bambara groundnut production practices. The study is expected to reveal varying levels of knowledge among farmers regarding recommended Bambara groundnut production practices. Farmers with greater exposure to agricultural extension services, training, demonstrations, and reliable production information may demonstrate better knowledge of seed selection, planting, soil fertility management, weed control, pest and disease management, harvesting, and storage. The study may also identify knowledge gaps relating to improved varieties, planting methods, crop management, and post-harvest handling. The study will be useful to Bambara groundnut farmers, agricultural extension agents, agricultural development agencies, research institutions, policymakers, non-governmental organisations, farmer organisations, and other stakeholders involved in legume production. It may provide useful information for identifying farmers’ technical knowledge needs and strengthening extension and training programmes. The findings may also assist agricultural organisations in developing practical educational activities that address the specific production challenges faced by Bambara groundnut farmers. The study concludes that adequate knowledge of Bambara groundnut production practices is important for effective crop management and improved production. It is therefore recommended that agricultural extension agencies strengthen farmer training, field demonstrations, advisory visits, and dissemination of relevant information on improved Bambara groundnut production practices. Farmers should also be encouraged to participate in extension programmes and adopt recommended production techniques to improve crop performance, yield, product quality, and farm productivity.

Keywords: Farmers’ knowledge, Bambara groundnut, Bambara groundnut production, production practices, legume production, agricultural extension, farmer training, seed selection, planting practices, soil fertility management, weed management, pest management, disease management, harvesting practices, farm productivity.