The study examined the perception of benefits of organic gardening in
Maiduguri Metropolis, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were administered to
obtain information from 166 respondents through multi-stage random and
purposive sampling techniques. Data collected were analysed using descriptive
statistics (frequency distribution, percentage and mean scores). The study
indicates that the respondents had perceived a relatively neutral (mean score =
2.87) socio-economic benefits of organic gardening. Nevertheless, they agreed
(mean score = 3.84) with the ecological benefits or organic farming. The result,
equally reports that the intension of conversion to organic farming was relatively
neutral (mean score = 3.49). The most important constraint to organic gardening
conversion was lack of knowledge and skills regarding organic gardening.
Policy recommendations were made to include: the creation of awareness on the
consequences of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides among others, and adequate
government support for organic gardening in the study area.