Factors influencing adoption of improved technology among maize farmers in Ekiti State Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the factors determining the adoption of improved maize technologies among farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A two-stage sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents for the study. Primary data were collected with the use of a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and regression model were used for the analysis. The majority of maize producers in the study area were married, fairly educated and of middle age. The results further showed that the maize farmers were faced with a series of problems such as inadequate credit, bad road network, high-interest rate and lack of collateral. Meanwhile, the adoption of improved maize technology by the farmers was significantly influenced by the use of manure, appropriate planting techniques, use of herbicide, extension visit, and educational status of the farmers. To boost maize production in the study area, the study recommends the provision of single digit loan interest and with facilities, subsidies on farm inputs, construction of roads to production areas, provision of improved maize seeds while farmers should collect a certificate of occupancy on their farmlands to enhance the chances of increasing their access to credit facilities.