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Farmers’ perception on improved cassava varieties cultivated in Abia State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study analyzed farmers‘ perception of improved varieties of cassava cultivated in Abia state, Nigeria. Multistage random sampling procedure was used to select 120 cassava farmers. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics (Probit regression model). The result shows that majority (70.8%) of the farmers were females and practised mixed cropping (76.7%).The result also revealed that farmers had favourable perception of cassava attributes (x̄= 3.8) and mostly cultivated TME - 419 (x̄ =2.9), NR-8082 (x̄ =2.8) and TMS – 98/0505 (x̄ =2.8) cassava varieties. The Probit regression result showed that coefficients for high yielding, dry matter content, disease resistance, high stem ratio tolerant to moisture stress and intercropping with component crops resistance influenced farmers use of these improved varieties at different levels of probability. The result of Paired "t" test showed that there is no significant difference between perception and use of the cassava varieties by farmers in the study area. Poor extension contacts, literacy levels of farmers and type of farming system practiced were constraints to use of these varieties. The study therefore recommend development of high yielding, disease resistance and moisture tolerant varieties by breeders for increased cassava cultivation and value addition in the study area.
Keywords: Perception, Cassava, Varieties, Farmers and Attributes
