POPULATION PRESSURE AS IT AFFECTS FARMERS’ WELLBEING AND IMPLICATION FOR DEVELOPMENT IN NGOR OKPALA LGA IMO STATE.

Anyoha N. O. and Chikaire J.

Department of Agricultural Extension,

 Federal University of Technology, , Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria*

E-mail – ndypaschal 2004@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT                

This study dealt with population pressure as it affects farmers’ well being in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Random sampling technique was adopted in selecting 5 communities from the study area, 3 villages were randomly selected and from each voltage four households were selected thus making a total of 60 respondents. Primary data were collected through the use of questionnaire and data analysis was by use of frequency distribution, percentages, mean scores and regression. Findings of the study revealed that about 55% of the respondents had a family size between six and ten persons. It was found out that the mean score of all the eight listed effects of large family size on farmers’ wellbeing were above the cut-off point of 3 and were all accepted by farmers as affecting their wellbeing. Marital status, age, family size, education and farmers’ income significantly contribute to their level of perception of the effects of large family size on their wellbeing. It was recommended that relevant policies directed at consolidation of population education through the introduction of the school’s curriculum be implemented in order to achieve self reliance in future.