Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Cassava Varieties among Farmers in Abia State

Abstract

This work examined the socioeconomic factors affecting the adoption of improved cassava varieties in Abia State. The study was carried out in Abia State. Five out of 17 LGAs in Abia State were purposely selected due to their popularity in cassava production. One hundred and fifty farmers were randomly selected and interviewed with a structured questionnaire to find the socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, the factors affecting adoption of improved cassava varieties and suggestions to improve production of cassava in the area. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, tables, percentages and probit model analysis. The result shows that the major factors affecting adoption of improved cassava varieties were adaptability of the technology compatibility, age, educational status, sex and complexity of the technology. The result also reviewed that more of elderly people farmed cassava in the study area and the farmers were more of women. It is thereby recommended that farmers suggestions should be adhere to in order to boost cassava production in Abia State. Men and youths should be encouraged to go into farming in the study area through individual motivation.

Keywords: adoption, improved cassava farmers

Journal of Agriculture and Social Research (JASR) Vol. 11, No. 1, 2011