Land Suitability and Evaluation for the Production of Cassava in Akoko-Edo L.G.A. of Edo State using Geo-Technology Techniques

Abstract

Nigeria's economy is heavily dependent on the oil sector and this has led to neglect of the agricultural sector in the past. To diversify the economy is of paramount necessity in order to drift the economy from total dependence on the oil sector. In order to help in the reversal of this wholly dependence on the oil sector, the government has been advocating to shift attention to other key sectors of the economy and particularly agriculture. The government has initiated cassava production and exportation, this seeks to variegate the use of Nigerian-produced cassava through industrial processing and utilization options. This aims at giving domestic and exporters the opportunity to generate income for the government and individuals. To get the goal achieved, improved varieties of cassava have been made available for higher yields. In this study, GIS has been used to bring biophysical factors such as rainfall, temperature, sunshine hours, soil, soil slop, elevation and geology together; using Boolean in spatial analyst tools in ArcGIS 10.1 software to ascertain the most suitable area for cassava production in Akoko-Edo L.G.A. of Edo state. The most suitable area is highlighted for large scale cassava production for industries and prospective investors.

Study of land suitability for rubber and cashew in the derived savanna zone of Edo State, Nigeria

“…Ef fective cation exchange capacity of clay (ECEC clay) decreased from top to bottom for pedons 1, 2, and 3 but increased from 14.00 cmol.kg 1 to 18.86 cmol.kg 1 for pedon 4. This is also in agreement with the findings of Olowojoba et al (2016). Base saturation (BS) was irregular for pedons 1 and 3 but decreased from top to bottom for pedons 2 and 4.…”

“…Total nitrogen was moderate, ranging from 1.29 % to 0.70 %, 0.53 % to 0.60 %, 0.56 % to 0.23 % and 0.77 % to 0.71 %, respectively. This is likely be as a result of the moderate rainfall amount in the study area (Olowojoba et al, 2016).…”

“…Mapping unit 3 occupying 38 ha (38 %) was found to be currently not suitable for rubber production with defects in climate, wetness and soil physical properties (length of dry season, drainage, soil depth, rock outcrops and coarse fragments), which is in agreement with Bhermana et al (2013). Mapping unit 4 occupying an area of 34.7 ha (34.7 %) was found to be permanently not suitable for rubber production with combined defects as in the above mapping units, as opined by Olowojoba et al (2016). The climatic condition should be monitored to know when it is best to cultivate.…”

“…Meanwhile, mapping units 3 and 4 occupying an area of 72.7 ha were found to be marginally suitable for cashew production. The major defects can be monitored to reduce the effects on cashew cultivation (Olowojoba et al, 2016) as shown in Table 4. Figure 3 shows the suitability evaluation map for cashew.…”

Surface Irrigation Suitability Assessment of the Some Soils in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria

“…Physiographically, Ikpeshi and Unem-Nekhua can be described as situated on gentle plains of low relief while Ososo is quite steep due to the presence of high hills visible in the area. (Olowojoba et al, 2016).…”