ASSESSMENT OF SMALL HOLDER FARMERS' RAINWATER HARVESTING . TECHNIQUES IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY - ABUJA, NIGERIA.

This study assessed small holder fanners' rainwater harvesting techniques in the FCT. 60 farmers were randomly sampled from Gwagwalada and Kuje Area Councils. Primaty data were collected using questionnaires and interview methods and the data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Logistic Regression Model was used to determine the factors influencing adoption of rainwater ha/vesting techniques in the study area. It was found that roof water tanks (45%) as well as sand dams (36.1%) were the most practiced techniques in this area by most farmers. The study also found that most (56.7%) of the farmers were aware of water harvesting techniques and willing to adopt them. Information on their sources of information proved that Extension officers (53.3%0 and Radio (23.3%) were the most important source of information to the farmers on water harvesting techniques. Logistic model showed that education level, experience of water shortage, awareness of water harvesting techniques, income, age, were highly important variables that positively influences adoption of water han>esting techniques. Farm size and farming as main source of income also had significant but negative relationship with the adoption of rainwater harvesting techniques. 71.7%> offarmers indicated decreasing trend of water resources in the study area, 21.6% pointed out that the water resources are completely diying up and 58.3% attributed these changes to the changing climate. It was concluded that Although most of the small holder farmers had secondary education and can understand processes required to adopt and operate several rainwater har>esting techniques, the awareness level of rainwater harvesting techniques (56.7%) which is only slightly above average proves that much work is still required in terms of awareness to attain optimum adoption level and enhanced agricultural productivity. Relevant agencies should put more emphases on education and awareness creation to increase the adoption of reliable water har>esting technique.