Abstract

This paper analyzes the importance of planting jatropha in some selected Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The sample survey data were collected from 105 small scale farmers purposively selected. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and were analysed with frequencies, percentages, mean and charts. The result of the study revealed that, majority of the respondents were male, 93.29% of the respondents were in their active ages 76.19% of the respondents were married, 59.04% had household size of between1-10persons, 84.84% of the respondents had formal education and 51.43% had income of N101,000-N500,000. The respondents’ major source of information was from their relations which was 56.19% and the major reason why they plant jatropha is to protect their farm land from being destroyed by animas which made up 37.19%. The following recommendations were made Women in the study area who are also farmers should be encouraged to plant jatropha on their farm lands, more farmers should be involved in planting jatropha as a hedge row on their farm lands because of the importance and benefits it possess. extension agents should be greatly involved in information dissemination by organizing trainings and seminars for the farmers and government should make environmental policies including the use of jatropha for erosion control.

Key Words: Rural, Farmers, Jatropha, Importance, Kaduna State