ABSTRACT

 This study assessed the adoption of two improved cassava varieties (1M530572 and NR 6085) by farmers In Ohafia Agricultural Zones of Aa State, Nigeria. Data were randomly collected from 128 farm families in Ohafia agricultural zone of the state and were analysed using descriptive statistics. The probit modal was used to assess the determinants of the level of adoption of the improved cassava varleties. Parameter estimates (problt model) of the determinants of the level of adopting of the improved cassava varieties revealed that the parameters included in the model influenced the adoption of the improved cassava varieties in different ways. Findings furTher showed that majority of the farmers in the study area (75 and 96 1%) were aware of the existence/and availability of TMS 30572 and NR 8082 varietIes of cassava respectively. Similarly the majority of the farmers (66.7%) and 54% learnt about the TMS30572 and NR8082 respectively through Extension Agents, while 20% and 22% of the farmers learnt about TMS 30572 and NR8082 respectively through the National Root Crops Research Institute sources. The level of adoption of the improved cassava varieties in the study area was quite high as reflected by 70.3% and 5M2% of the farmers who had fully adopted TM$ 30572 and NR 8082 varieties respeotively eased on the area of land allocated to the improved cassava varieties, measured as a proportion of the total land area allocated tothe cassava enterprise, findings revealed that 0.51 ha and 0.48 ha were allocated to TMS 30572 and NR 8082 varieties respectively. Thus the rate of adoption of the improved cassava varieties was rated to be fairly high. Adoption of the improved cassava varieties was also found to have impacted positively and significantly on the income generation level of the farmers in the study area. Early maturity, higher yield potential, high garri quality and quantity as well as disease resistance were found to be qualities that endeared farmers towards adoption of the improved cassava varieties. However, unavailability of improved planting materials as well as dearth of inputs were noted to militate against the adoption of the improved varieties. It was therefore recommended that efforts be geared towards funding the extension of improved agricultural technologies including improved cassava varieties. Efforts should also be geared towards massive multiplication and distribution of improved planting materials to keep pace with their ever increasing demand, especially in this era of government support for massive oaasava production. Relevant inputs should also be provided in good time while government should help farmers find appropriate (local and international) markets for their cassava and cassava products.