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Context and backgroundThe intensive use of land is regarded as the major source of agricultural growth in many developing nations, even though this intensive usage has been seen as one of the most substantial human impacts on the global environment. However, the intensification of agricultural land use has led to many environmental and social challenges. This study used a descriptive-correlational mixed method research design to investigate the gender variation in the intensity of land use intensity (LUI) and degradation among arable crop farmers in southwest, Nigeria.Goal and Objectives:This study was conducted with a view to determining the level of land use intensity and degradation among male and female arable crop farmers..Methodology:A multistage sampling technique was used to select 336 respondents for the study, a total of 168 male and 168 female farmers were selected from two states: Ekiti and Oyo. A well-validated structured interview schedule and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide were used to elicit information from the respondents.Results:The results show that Fallow Rotation Intensity (FRI) was found to be higher among female ACFs compared to male farmers, but the cropping intensity (CI) was higher among male farmers compared to female farmers. Land use intensity among male farmers was higher than that of female farmers. The study also shows evidence of the increasing intensity of land usage, characterized by increased cropping intensity and increased frequency of farmland cultivation among male and female arable crop farmers. Land use intensity and degradation intensity were significantly different among female and male ACFs. This study recommends policy formulation and implementation on land usage that will make male and female ACFs feel emotionally attached to the land they cultivate.
