Comparative Economic Analysis Of Adoption And Non-Adoption Of Improved Cassava Technologies In Ikwuano Local Government Area Of Abia State

ABSTRACT

This research work was embarked upon because of the inherent problems of the adoption of improved cassava technologies. The major objectives were to compare the cassava output of adopters and non-adopters of improved cassava technologies, to compare the net farm income of cassava production of adopters and non-adopters of improved cassava technologies, and to determine the factors affecting farmer's adoption of improved cassava technologies. It was carried out in Ikwuano Local Government Area where 40 cassava farmers were sampled and data collected with the aid of questionnaire. It was found that 75% of the farmers were male while 25% were female. The mean age of the farmers was found to be 44.2 years. 12%, 25%, 30%, and 35% of respondent had no education, primary, secondary and tertiary education respectively. The mean years of experience was found to be 14.2years. The output as well income of adopters and non-adopters of improved cassava technologies were found to be significant. Some factors like age, educational level, farm size and extension agent visit, were found to significantly influence adoption of cassava technologies. From the result of the study, the following recommendations were made that; farmers be regularly exposed to seminars and other such services that can help them adopt new technologies, more extension services be provided so as to increase the chances of adoption of improved technologies, farmers be granted access to financial services to improve their chances of adoption.