Farmer-related factors influencing adoption of improved cassava production in South East Zone: Challenges for Agricultural Extension Training and Food Security in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated farmer-related factors influencing adoption of improved cassava production in southeast zone and highlighted challenges for extension training and food security in Nigeria. The study was based on situations of perceived low adoption and insufficient output in cassava production against the backdrop of huge resources investment under the ADPs in the zone. Purposive, multistage and random sampling techniques were employed in selecting sample size of 300 cassava farmers for the study while interview schedule was adopted in data collection and percentages, adoption scores and mean scores were adopted in data analysis. The results show that majority (76.70) of cassava farmers were males while 68.3 percent of them were married and the farmers had mean extension contacts of 13 number per year. The study revealed low adoption with mean adoption score of 3.27, while inability of farmers to source necessary cassava production input (x = 4.9) and inadequate release of land for extension demonstration (x = 4.8) had highest influence on their adoption decision. The study highlighted challenges on extension training and food security on improved extension services on the part of ADPs, improved budgetary allocation on the part of government and harmonization in farmers’ group contacts with ADP extension. The study recommended improved ADP staff training and contacts with farmers, organizational overhaul in the ADPs, government support and overhaul in leadership of existing and emerging groups of farmers with potentials to adopt necessary cassava production technologies. In conclusion, improved cassava production in southeast zone and overall food security in Nigeria depend on the extent adoption issues raised and challenges thereof highlighted can be addressed.