Determinants Of Organic Fertilizer Use Among Small Holder Cassava Farmers In Owerri Agricultural Zone Of Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on the determinants of the level of use of organic fertilizer
among small holder cassava farmers in Owerri Agricultural zone of Imo State. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from 64 randomly selected farmers, and analyzed using means, frequency distribution, percentages, net returns model and Ordinary least squares multiple regression model. Results of net returns analysis show that organic fertilizer use gave high returns to the cassava farmers. Determinants of organic fertilizer use were found to be output of cassava, farm size, occupation, level of education, farming experience, household size, social organization membership and extension contact. The extension service show mount campain regularly to create awareness on the part of farmers on organic fertilizer use, while the extension agents should be adequately motivated so as to properly train the farmers on the use of organic fertilizer for increased food production.

Keywords: organic fertilizer use, cassava farmers

Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 2 (2) 2006: pp. 67-73