Vol. 2001 No. 1 (2001)
Sustainable Agroforestry in Niger Delta: Soil Fertility and Yield Stability Over Ten Years
Abstract
Sustainable agroforestry practices have been implemented in various regions to address soil degradation and improve crop yields. In the Niger Delta of Nigeria, these projects aim at enhancing soil fertility through integrated farming methods. Qualitative research methodology was employed, including interviews with farmers, analysis of project documentation, and field observations. Data were collected from multiple sites across the region to ensure comprehensive coverage. A significant improvement in soil organic matter content (up to 15%) was observed over ten years, contributing to enhanced crop yields by up to 20% in selected crops such as cassava and yams. The study concludes that sustainable agroforestry practices have been effective in improving both soil fertility and yield stability in the Niger Delta region. Further research should explore scaling these projects to larger areas, while monitoring their long-term sustainability impacts on local ecosystems and communities.