Adoption Of Cocoyam Production And Processing Technologies In Ikwuano L.G.A. Abia State

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the level of adoption of coco am production and processing technologies in lkwuano LGA of Abia State. Twenty-five cocoyam farmers were randomly selected from each of the four autonomous communities of Oboro, Oloko, Ibere and Ariam Usaka. This made up the two extension blocks in the area, which gave a total sample size of 100 farmers. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages), adoption rnodl (AIETA), and multiple regression analysis. Results show that the adoption level of the technolo' package was above average. Processing of cocoyam into dry p chips/flour and cocoyam minnisett technique were most widely adopted by the farmers with 90% and 75% adopters respectively. Fertilizer application was discontinued by 25% of the farmers as a result of high cost of procurement and scarcity at the time of need. Farming experience, household size, membership of cooperative societies and level of education were found to be variables significantly affecting the level f adoption of cocoyam production and processing technologies. High cost of inputs, storage losses, low income from cocoyam sales and negative socio-cultural perception of cocoyam production were some of the problems affecting the adoption of cocoyam production tech:ologies in the study area. It was concluded that most of the cocoym farmers obtained agricultural information from their fellow farmers resulting in the current level of adoption of cocoyam production technologies, which is just above average. It was recommended that extension delivery strategies be diversified and strengthened to boost cocoyam production through enhanced adoption of improved production technologies