Push and pull factors promoting agroforestry tree crop uncontrolled extraction on rural households in Delta State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to determine the push and pull factors promoting agroforestry tree crop depletion on rural household in Delta State. A multistage sampling technique was used. The sample size for the study was 120 farmers. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics such as chart, means derived from 5-point likert scale and inferential statistics such as logistic regression model and multiple regression model. The results of the chart on the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers showed that majority (62%) of the farmers were between the ages of 31-40 years. High proportion (79%) of the respondents were female. Majority (77%) of the respondents were married. Most (75%) of the respondents were formally educated. The modal class of respondents farming experience was 16-20 years. The logistic result revealed that age, household size and farm size were positively significant at 5% and 10% probability level while farm income, land tenure and level of education were negatively significant at 5% probability level respectively. The Cobb-Douglas function was chosen because it had the best fit. The coefficient of multiple determinations (R2) was 0.625. The multiple regression result showed that the variables firewood collection and tree logging were positive while bushfire and farm erosion were negative and significant at 1%, 5% and 10% probability level. The activities of deforestation should be discouraged through stringent environmental laws for sustainable agricultural production.