Information Needs of Cassava Farmers in Delta State of Nigeria

Abstract

Within the agricultural sector, cassava has remained the major crop cultivated by Nigerian farmers. The study assessed the information needs of cassava farmers in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. Specifically, the study examined social-economic characteristics; information sources and awareness of improved farm practices associated with cassava farming. It also assessed respondents’ information needs. Data were obtained from 80 randomly selected respondents and were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, means and correlation analysis. Results showed that more than half (55%) of the respondents were male, majority (61%) had households with at least 5 members, mean farm size was 1.5 hectares and cassava mean output of 1,500kg. There was high awareness among respondents about agronomic practices and low awareness about agro-chemical associated with cassava production. Findings also showed that respondents have the highest need for information on the use of herbicides (78.8%), followed by use of pesticides (60.0%) and fertilizer application (42.5%). On the other hand, educational status (r = -0.278) of the farmers was significantly and negatively correlated to their information needs in cassava farming. It is suggested that Delta State ADP should plan programmes to address cassava famers’ specific educational needs in cassava production.