Factors driving the intensity and rate of cooking banana adoption in Nigeria

Abstract

The International Institute of tropical Agriculture introduced cooking banana into south east Nigeria in the late 1980s from Asia through the INIBAP Transit Centre as an interim measure in combating the incidence of black sigatoka disease on plantain. The study examined the extent of adoption of the crop in the area, about a decade after its introduction. Data were collected from 285 randomly selected farmers in about 76 of the villages where the crop was introduced, using a structured questionnaire. Data analyses utilised descriptive statistical tools while econometric models were used in identifying forces that have influenced the adoption process. Results showed that 55% of farmers have more cooking banana mats than they initially planted, giving a 55% adoption level. The intensity of adoption ranges from one mat to 599 mats with a mean of 23 mats, while the average annual increase in the number of mats is 6. Considering the relative “newness” of the crop in the country, the above adoption figures are considered high. Among the factors that have strongly influenced the extent and rate of adoption are farmers' household size, level of educational attainment, primary occupation, extension education and training, market opportunities, cropping experience, security of land, and the compatibility of the crop with existing systems.


(J Agric & Soc Res:2003 3(2): 135-166)