characterization of smallholder farming in kori chiefdom, southern region of sierra leone

The study assessed the characteristics of smallholder farming in kori chiefdom,moyamba district, southern sierra leone. the study employed a descriptive surveyresearch design. an interview schedule was used to obtain primary data from 154 smallholderfarmers who were involved in agricultural projects in the chiefdom. the quantitative natureof the data was analysed with the help of the spss statistical software package. descriptivestatistics such as frequencies and percentages as well as inferential statistics involvingregressing analysis were used to determine relationships between farming income and otherincome variables. major findings from the demographic characteristics of the smallholderfarmers show that more than half of the respondents are within the youthful population (< 20years=7.8%, 21-30 years=41%, and 31-40 years=19.48%) totaling 62.33% with malerespondents accounting for 57.14%. while a significant percentage (44.16%) had no formaleducation, 32.46% also had only primary education. the study further shows that only11.69% earned more than nle 500 per month from the project. the stepwise regression alsoshows a relationship that farming and monthly incomes are r2=0.278; p=0.05 which impliesthat monthly income accounts for 27.78% of the respondents. the findings therefore suggestthat literacy drive must be promoted among the respondents for the easy adoption ofimproved agricultural practices. moreover, agri-business techniques must be promoted forfarmers to handsomely earn from their farming activities.