Factors Influencing Adoption of Cocoa Technologies Disseminated by Olam Organisation in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was undertaken to determine factors influencing adoption of cocoa technologies disseminated by Olam organization to cocoa farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria. Data for the study were collected from thirty cocoa farmers (Olam’s model farmers) through the use of structured interview schedule. Data were analyzed using mean, factor analysis and regression statistics. Results showed that planting of hybrid cocoa seedlings, use of agrochemicals/fungicides, pruning and fermentation were cocoa technologies adopted by farmers. The significant factors influencing adoption of cocoa technologies included age, educational level, household size, no of farm family assisting on the farm, management system adopted, involvement in social organization and source of labour. The result of the varimax rotation revealed that the major constraints to adoption of cocoa technologies were socio-cultural, literacy and financial problems. It was therefore recommended that existing farmers’ organizations should be strengthened through regular meetings and training by Olam organization to enhance rapid dissemination and adoption of cocoa technologies.

Key word: Adoption, cocoa technologies and Olam organization