Analysis of the factors influencing farmers' adoption of alley farming technology under intensified agriculture in Imo State, Nigeria; using a qualitative choice model

Abstract

This study analyzed factors that influence farmers' alley farming technology adoption behaviours in the intensified land use systems of Imo State, Nigeria. A logit
econometric model was used to quantify and analyze data obtained from 480 randomly selected farm households from 12 agriculturally intensified autonomous communities in Imo State. The results show that younger farmers between the ages of 18 and 44 years, cultivating at least 0.7 hectares of land, which they have control over its allocation and usage had higher probabilities of adopting alley-farming technology than their older counterparts. Adoption decisions increased with increased contacts of farmers with extension agents working on the agro-forestry technology, farmers' level of formal education, ownership and control over cultivated lands, length of land lease, membership and participation in the activities of farmers' associations, and farm sizes above the sample mean farm size of 0.7 hectares. Adoption rates are lower among female farmers than males, and decreased with increased family sizes and population induced land scarcity conditions. The study confirms the importance of recognizing the heterogeneity of the farming population not only in terms of differences in the biophysical conditions of their farms but also in the socio-economic and demographic conditions under which they operate, in targeting agro-forestry extension programs for maximum impacts. The results show that qualitative choice modelling using farmers' socio-economic and demographic variables can lead to more precision in targeting farmer categories for the achievement of accelerated alley farming technology adoption rates.

South African Journal of Agricultural Extension Vol. 35 (2) 2006: pp. 158-175