Determinants of adoption of chemical pest control technologies among cotton farmers in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

This survey based study was carried out to ascertain the determinants of the adoption of chemical pest control technologies in cotton production and evaluate existing gaps. A combination of purposive and random sampling was used to select four cotton growing Local Government Areas in the state, 20 villages and 192 respondents. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (means, frequencies and percentages) and multiple regression analysis. Results showed that the mean age of the farmers was 39.6 years, the mean farm size 1.8 ha and majority of the respondents (76%) had over 15 years experience in cotton production. Educational status, farm size and membership of cooperative were shown to significantly influence the adoption of chemical pest control (P<0.05); contact with extension workers was also significant (P<0.01). In contrast, age, farming experience, mixed cropping and increasing net returns had no significant influence on adoption. Constraints limiting the adoption of chemical pest control were identified and recommendations including subsidizing the cost of farm inputs, intensifying extension delivery and enhanced access to credit were proffered.