Abstract

Akwa Ibom State is located in the rainforest belt of Nigeria known for preponderance of agricultural biodiversity. Agricultural biodiversity or agrobiodiversity is succinctly referred to as the diversity of agrogenetic resources used directly for food and agriculture; the diversity of species that support production and the diversity of species that support agroecosystem, as well as diversity agroecosystems themselves. It performs many closely interrelated socioeconomic and environmental functions, including promoting food and livelihood security, maintaining productive and environmental sustainability; and contributing to resilient rural economics. Because of these enormous potentials, farmers have been making frantic efforts at conserving this vital resource. However, despite these efforts, agrobiodiversity is being lost at an alarming rate. This study was designed to appraise the status of agrobiodiversity conservation among rural farms in Akwa Ibom State. The specific objective was to determine rural farmers’ perception of utilitarian value of agrobiodiversity. A research question and one related null hypothesis were formulated to guide study. A total of 858 respondents comprising rural farmers, agricultural extension officers and forestry officers were involved in the study. The data were obtained through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed with mean, chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings of the study revealed that rural farmers indicated high perception of the utilitarian value of agrobiodiversity, especially in areas such as herbal medicine, food, recreation, aesthetic, ecology and culture.

Key words: Agrobiodiversity, utilitarian values, rural farmers.