Socio-economic Determinants of Adoption of Improved Cassava Varieties among Crop Farmers in ADP Zone I, Jigawa State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study examined the Socio-economic factors affecting adoption of improved cassava varieties among farmers in Jigawa State, Nigeria. A 4-stage sampling technique was used to elicit information from 150 respondents through structure questionnaire and interview schedule. Both judgmental and simple random sampling procedure was adopted in the study. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as frequency tables, percentages, mean, standard deviation and Probit model. Majority of the respondents were males (56.0%), Married (72.0%) and members of cooperative movement (54.0%). Majority (82.7%) were having primary, secondary or tertiary level of education with average monthly income of N62,073.33k. The clienteles were involved in cassava production on part time basis (58.7%). Majority of the respondents were aware of TMS 92/0057 95.3%), TME419 (67.3%) and NR8083 (65.3%) but adopted TMS419 (32.0%), TMS96/0002 (30.0%) and NR8083 (29.3%) varieties mostly. The mean age of the respondents is 49 years, average farming experience of 26 years and mean land areas under cultivation of 3.0 Acres respectively. The determinant factors of adoption of improved cassava varieties are; educational level, age, sex, complexity of the varieties, adaptability to innovation to the socio cultural system of the clienteles and compatibility of the varieties. The perceived measures for adoption of improved cassava varieties are provision of inputs, subsidy and labor, market outlets as well as loan facilities to the clienteles among others. It was recommended that, favorable measures of adoption of improved cassava varieties such as provision of farm inputs 76.0%, agricultural labor subsidy 66.0% and provision of loan facilities/market outlets for cassava( 53.3% should be enhanced and the positive determinant factors of adoption of improved cassava varieties among the respondents. adaptability and appropriateness of the technology. Compatibility(X14) has positive and significant relationship at 5% levels for the improved varieties showing that the compatibility of the innovation increases the adoption of the innovation when the technology is similar and agreed with the existing culture it will hasten the adoption of such technology. It is recommended that extension agents must try to transfer simple innovations to rural farmers rather than complex innovations. Also, agricultural extensions must adopt to changes taking place in rural setting and provide answers to the problems facing the rural populace.