Farmers’ Knowledge of Jatropha Curcas as a Renewable Energy Crop in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Development of sustainable bio-energy from energy crops is considered an important factor in reducing green house emission, acid deposition in soil and chemical runoff, and improvement of the environment for both man and wildlife. This study was necessitated by persistent degradation of the environment resulting from heavy consumption of fossil fuel, agrochemicals and high level of deforestation resulting in depletion of forest resources. The study thus examined farmers’ knowledge of Jatropha curcas as a renewable energy crop in Oyo state, Nigeria. Simple random technique was used to select 120 farmers from 243 Jatropha farmers trained in the study area. Parameters assessed include respondents’ socioeconomic characteristics,awareness, perception and knowledge of Jatropha curcas as renewable energy crop. Information was obtained with the use of a structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results show that majority of farmers were male (66.7%), had mean age of 44.4±10.8, married (90.0%), had formal education (91.7%), crop and livestock farming (86.7%) were the main livelihood activities. Awareness of Jatropha curcas as renewable energy crop was mainly through participation (52.5%) in a seminar organized for farmers by a non-governmentalorganization. Most farmers (62.5%) had favourable disposition and high knowledge (75.5%) toward Jatropha curcas cultivation. Cultivation practice (r = 0.453, p<0.05) was significantly related to knowledge of Jatropha curcas as a renewable energy crop. Institutionalizing framework by government and nongovernmentalorganizations to promote cultivation of Jatropha curcas will foster healthy environment and consequently mitigate accumulation of green house effect caused by fossil fuel and industrial activities.