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Constraints limiting efficient utilization of improved cassava technologies in Abakaliki local government area of Ebonyi state: a factor analysis approach
Abstract
The constraints limiting the efficient utilization of improved cassava technologies in Abakaliki local government area of Ebonyi State were analysed using factor analysis. A multistage random sampling
technique was used to select 120 contact farmers and data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis technique. Results revealed that the educational level of the farmers was low and they operate at the peasant level, cultivating an average of 1.62 hectares. The farmers indicated that their main source of improved cassava technologies is the open market. The result of the factor analysis shows that the majority of constraints against efficient utilization of improved cassava technologies in the area were associated with natural and institutional factors, with few associated with economic factors. Unfavorable weather conditions and the poor performance of the institutions charged with the responsibility of making these improved inputs readily available to farmers constitute a major barrier to their efficient utilization. It is therefore recommended that there is a need for an effective public – private partnership in the provision and distribution of improved cassava technologies to farmers to increase utilization efficiency.
technique was used to select 120 contact farmers and data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis technique. Results revealed that the educational level of the farmers was low and they operate at the peasant level, cultivating an average of 1.62 hectares. The farmers indicated that their main source of improved cassava technologies is the open market. The result of the factor analysis shows that the majority of constraints against efficient utilization of improved cassava technologies in the area were associated with natural and institutional factors, with few associated with economic factors. Unfavorable weather conditions and the poor performance of the institutions charged with the responsibility of making these improved inputs readily available to farmers constitute a major barrier to their efficient utilization. It is therefore recommended that there is a need for an effective public – private partnership in the provision and distribution of improved cassava technologies to farmers to increase utilization efficiency.
