ASSESSING THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE PEOPLE IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AS OCCUPATION WITHIN IKA SOUTH AND IKA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

An investigation was carried out to ascertain the extent, the Ika people are involved in agriculture as occupation within Ika South and Ika North East Local Government areas of Delta State, Nigeria. Twelve communities were randomly selected for this research, six from Ika south and six from Ika North east local government area. These include Alifekede, Agbor Obi, Abavo, Emuhu, Ewuru and Aliokpu community while those from Ika North east were, Ute Okpu, Owa Alero, Owa Oyibu, Ekwuoma, Akumazi and Owanta community. Three hundred and sixty respondents which were male and female were used. Questionnaires were formulated to gather data for this research from the respondents. The result revealed that women that are married, fall between the age of 31 to 40 are in to crop cultivation. The crops they cultivate are major crops within the region such as cassava, okra and melon. Based on the result of this research, it was therefore concluded that Ika married women within the age of 31 – 40 are more involved in agricultural business compare to men, they are mostly cassava, melon and okra crops growers. It is recommended that government should encourage the farmers by providing necessary farm inputs and financial assistance to enable them increase food production and make the farming business attractive, in order for more people to be involved.