Assessment Of Factors Affecting Farmers’ Adoption And Utilisation Of Major Agricultural Technologies Developed By International Institute Of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)

Abstract

The study investigated the adoption and perception of farmers in Akinyele Local Government of Oyo State, Nigeria of technologies developed by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and their relationships with the
adoption of technologies were also determined. Survey data from 200 farmers in four purposively selected villages were used. Findings revealed that the on-farm trials by IITA scientists with farmers in the local government influenced the adoption of some the technologies. The improved cassava and maize varieties, rapid multiplication of cassava and seed yam minisett technique had the highest adoption. Non-adoption of some technologies was attributed to inadequate information and missing knowledge, lack of awareness of the technologies and lack of follow-up by extension staff. Level of respondents’ education, participation in on-farm trials, contact with extension staff and years of farming had significant relationships with adoption. The study therefore recommended intensification of adequate and effective research – extension -
farmer linkages and possible establishment of extension liaison services by international agricultural research centers for easy and better dissemination of their research findings.