Utilization of improved cassava varieties among extension agents in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Utilization of Improved Cassava varieties among extension agents (EAs) in Benue State, Nigeria was appraised in 2006. The data were collected using structured questionnaire, and analyzed using simple descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages), and linear regression analysis. Results showed that TMS 30572 was utilized more than other varieties studied. The factors that contributed to utilization included high fresh tuber yield, early maturity and high quality gari and other products. Constraints to utilization included scarcity and high cost of planting materials (cassava stems) and inadequate information about some varieties (NR8083). The regression analysis showed that sex and education had a positive and significant relationship with utilization at 1% level, while age had negative but significant relationship with utilization at 1% level. It was recommended that efforts should be made to massively multiply improved cassava stems and effectively distribute at affordable prices to increase utilization of the improved varieties.