Does information sources improve the adoption of new technology? Evidence from cassava processing enterprise

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the level of adoption of improved cassava processing technologies by cassava processors in Oyo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 190 cassava processors in Oyo state. Data was collected through an interview guide while descriptive statistics was used to achieve the objectives. The mean age of the respondents was estimated at 47 years and 90.00% of the respondents were married. The mean household size and years of experience were 6 persons and 11 years respectively. The majority (64.21%) had a secondary occupation (64.21%) while 66.32% of the respondents received credit. Only 7.37% of the respondents received information from extension agents. About 92.63% get information from other sources like radio, fellow professors, friends, and relatives. The major constraints encountered by the respondents include inadequate credit facilities, inadequate extension contact high cost of cassava tubers, and high costs of hiring cassava processing machines. Therefore, extension services on improved cassava processing technologies should be intensified in the study area by offering services, especially in aspects that show low adoption in this study like the mechanical peeler and fryer.