ABSTRACT

The study investigated the adoption of chorkor smoker kiln (improved fish processing) technology by fish processors in rural communities of Akwa Ibom State. The major objective was to determine the extent of adoption of chorkor smoker in the study area. Interview schedule was used to collect data from 240 fish processors randomly selected in the study area. Frequencies, percentages, ranking and maximum likelihood regression technique (logistic regression) analysis were used in analyzing the data. The study revealed that 32% of the respondents were within the age range of 40 to 49 years. Eight-five percent of the respondents had formal education. About 51% of the respondents had 7 and above members in their respective households. The processing years of experience of most respondents was over 20 years. The result further revealed that about 54% of the respondents used hired labourers. The result of the study revealed that most of the fisher folks (about 71%) were aware of chorkor smoker kiln technology. About 60% of the respondents adopted the chorkor smoker kiln technology. The result showed that all the explanatory variables included in the model were significant determinants of adoption. It was therefore recommended that the State government should make more chorkor smoker kiln available to fisher folks by subsidizing the cost of the kiln. Introduction of the chorkor smoker kiln should be targeted at experienced fish processors. Also, extension contact with fisher folks should be enhanced by Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP).