Impact of Farmland Fragmentation on Cassava Production among Smallholder Farmers in Anambra State

Background and Objective: Farmland fragmentation is a common feature of smallholder agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa, largely driven by population pressure and inheritance practices. In Nigeria, fragmented landholdings pose structural challenges to efficient cassava production, which remains a key source of food security and rural livelihood. This study examined the effect of fragmented farming land on cassava production among smallholder farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria, with specific reference to Ayamelum Local Government Area. Materials and Methods: A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 100 cassava farmers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics (such as frequency, percentage and mean) and multiple regression analysis at 0.01, 0.05, 0.10). Results: The results revealed that cassava farming is male-dominated, with most farmers being middle-aged, moderately educated, and engaged in diversified livelihood activities. Fragmented cassava farmland ownership was largely characterized by rented and inherited land, reflecting land scarcity and traditional inheritance systems. The regression results indicated a strong and statistically significant relationship between fragmented farmland and cassava production, with land cost, land affordability, production risk, and proximity of farmland to farmers’ residences significantly influencing cassava output. The model explained over 70% of the variation in cassava production, and the null hypothesis that fragmented farmland has no effect on cassava production was rejected. Conclusion: The study concludes that farmland fragmentation significantly affects cassava production among smallholder farmers and recommends land consolidation, improved land tenure security, and supportive agricultural policies to enhance cassava productivity in the study area.