ABSTRACT

This study examined the adoption of improved cocoa varieties by small scale farmers in lkwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Data were collected from I 50 firm families of There autonomous Community  lkwuano Local Government Area and were analysed using descriptive statistics and maximum likelihood profit analysis to investigate factors that determine the level of adoption of cocoa varieties. These factors include: level of education, land ownership, marital status, farm size, farming experience, extension agent contact, and household size which were found to influence adoption of improved cocoa varieties. Findings further showed that majority of the farmers in the study area (89%) were aware of the existence of cocoa varieties in the study area. Adoption of cocoa varieties was also found to have influenced positively on the income generation level of the farmers. Results further revealed that 87% of the Cocoa farmers were males which implied that cocoa farming is still regarded as a male crop. According to findings, about 62% of the cocoa farmers were married and this means that they receive assistance by their family members (wife, children and relatives). About 32% of cocoa farmers had Primary education, 22% had Secondary education while 23% of the cocoa farmers had tertiary education. The findings also revealed that 89% of the cocoa farmers in the study area adopted the upper Amazon variety. Pearson's correlation matrix revealed positive relationship between adoption of improved cocoa varieties and independent variables which include age, education, land ownership, marital status, membership of cooperative society, house hold size. However, early maturity, higher yield potential, disease resistance, availability and affordability of inputs were found to be qualities that endeared farmers towards adoption of the cocoa varieties in the area. It was therefore recommended that efforts be geared towards funding the extension of improved agricultural technologies including improved cocoa varieties. Relevant inputs should also be provided in good time while government should help farmers find appropriate market for their cocoa products.