Analysis of the Social Barriers Constraining Increased Breadfruit Tree Cultivation in Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

The study analysed the social barriers constraining increased breadfruit (Treculia africana) planting in Southeast Nigeria. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered on 260 respondents selected through a simple random sampling process from 13 communities in Anambra and Enugu States of Southeast Nigeria. From the respondents, 4 in-depth interviews were conducted for more detailed information and verification of some answers in the questionnaire. Data were realised with descriptive statistics. The results reveal that significant proportion (52%) of the farmers had certain beliefs about the crop, but that the beliefs that the crop is not meant to be cultivated, planted by young people and others are unlikely to be significant reasons for its limited planting. The result, however, indicates that systems norm of free fruit head collection (32.14%) is likely to be a significant reason for the limited planting of the trees in the farm fields of some communities in the study area. The result suggests that the norm may be a barrier to using the crop for climate stress adaptation in those communities. The study, therefore, recommends that proactive measures such as holistic education and awareness programmes should be employed by change agencies to overcome breadfruit planting social barriers.