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DETERMINANTS OF SUSTAINABLE USE OF IMPROVED YAM PRODUCTION PRACTICES AMONG FARMERS IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
The study examined determinants of sustainable use of improved yam production practices among farmers in
Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A total of one hundred and twenty farmers were selected across the state using multi-stage
sampling procedure. Data collection was achieved by using a well-structured questionnaire and personal
interview. Data analysis made use of frequency counts, percentages, mean scores and multiple regression
analysis. Results obtained revealed that out of twenty two (22) improved yam production practices disseminated
by Ebonyi State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), fourteen (14) are currently being used by farmers
in the area. These include; storage in barns (x = 4.6), harvesting in 7 – 12 months(x = 4.5), staking (x = 4.4), use of
NPK 12:12:17 (x = 4.2), yam-cassava relay intercrop (x = 4.0), weeding (x = 4.0), yam-melon intercrop ( x = 3.5),
band placement of fertilizer (x = 3.5), among others. Results of the multiple regression analysis revealed that
income level, age of respondents, cost of yam production, socio-cultural acceptability, economic viability,
farming experience, level of education, extension contact and awareness of farmers were all important and
significant variables affecting sustainable use of improved yam production practices in the study area. Given the
enormous potentials and importance of yam in the area, it has become imperative that youths be encouraged to
participate effectively in yam production, because majority of farmers in the area are aged and retiring from
active production practices. This will ensure food security. Also relevant inputs like fertilizers, herbicides and
planting materials should be subsidized by government. This will help reduce the cost of production of the crop.
