ABSTRACT

The study made a comparative analysis of the outputs of ADP and non ADP farmers in lkwuano LGA of Abia State. Specific objectives outlined to achieve this broad objective included; to delineate the socio-economic characteristics of farmers in the study area, to examine the relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of farmers and the output of selected crops, to identify inputs provided by the ADP to farmers in the area and to compare the output of selected crops for the ADP and non ADP farmers. Data used for this analysis were collected through questionnaires administered to 60 ADP and 60 non ADP farmers in the study area. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive techniques, test of significance and multiple regression. The results of the analysis showed that improve seed/seedling/cutting and fertilizer were the most adopted inputs in the area. Income is the major determinant of farmers output. The test of significance revealed that the output of the ADP farmers is significantly greater than that of the non ADP farmers. Constraints facing farmers in the areas include high cost of input, low price of produces, and transportation difficulties. The greatest constraints facing the ADP are; shortage of funds, shortage of trained staff and lack of transport facilities. The ADP should intensify efforts to improve farmers adoption of improved technologies. The Government should provide more funds to the ADP to enable it recruit and train more staff and purchase more vehicles and motorbikes needed to reach farmers.