Adoption of Improved Cassava Production Technologies in Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study determined the extent of adoption of improved cassava production technologies in Anambra-East Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Eighty cassava producers were randomly selected across the study area. A structured interview schedule was used to elicit relevant information while percentages and mean scores were employed to summarize the data collected. The findings showed that the area has young, experienced, good level of education and high social participation amongst members, which is an advantage for innovation adoption and transfer. Majority inherited their cassava farms and financed them mainly through personal savings. The result showed that extension agents 45.0% was the major source of information on improved cassava production technologies and also majority (35.0%) gave high yield as their major reason for growing improved cassava varieties. The findings further showed that some yield increasing technologies such as application of fertilizer, use of herbicides and insecticides had not been appreciably adopted by the farmers in the area. The major constraints to the adoption of improved cassava production technologies include: high cost of fertilizer, agro-chemicals and unavailability of market. It was concluded that there is the need for applying organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides which are less costly, environmentally friendly and reduces the hazard inherent in the application of mineral fertilizers and synthetic agrochemicals Equally, efforts of the extension workers are highly needed to organize training programmes, workshops, agric show and seminar which will lead to multiplier effect in the adoption of improved cassava technologies in the area.

Keywords: Adoption, improved cassava, production technologies, cassava farmers, information source.