Differentials in Adoption of Maize Seed Varieties and Impact on Farmers’ Livelihood in Northern Nigeria
Abstract
Small-scale farmers in Nigeria are at a huge risk due to climate change which has negative impact on agricultural productivity. One way of improving productivity in Nigeria is by exposing small-scale farmers to improved seed technologies and innovations. This study assessed the adoption of maize seed varieties and its impact on farmers’ livelihood in five states of northern Nigeria. The study is based on comprehensive data set collected through field survey and questionnaire administration from 195 maize farmers segregated into 80 adult male (AM), 66 adult female (AF) and 49 youth (Y). The ordered Probit regression model and propensity score matching analysis were employed for empirical analysis; nearest neighbour matching was chosen among the three algorithms that included the stratification and kernel matching, due to its robustness across the three group of farmers. The data analysed showed that drought resistance was most preferred attribute considered for adoption of improved maize variety by AM, high yield and marketability by AF and requirement of other inputs by Y, while socio-economic and institutional variables were the major drivers of their adoption. The impact of improved maize seed variety revealed that the treatment effect on the treated had a positive and significant impact on maize yield across the three groups of farmers. It is therefore recommended that relevant research institutes and government should collaborate with extension service of ADP to mobilize farmers at grassroots for capacity building to enhance preference to adoption.
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