ABSTRACT

The study ascertained the determinants of adoption of two improved cassava '4 varieties developed and transferred by National Root Crops Research lnstitutc (NRCRI) Umudike to farmers in Abia State and the whole of South-East Agroecological Zone of Nigeria. The data were collected from 150 farmers randomly selected from fivc out of 17 LGAs, in Abia State. An interview schedule with a well' structured questionnaire was used for the study,. The data were analysed by means of frequency tables, percentages. means, classical model and probit model analysis. The result of probit model analysis on determinants of adoption of these varieties shows an R2value of 0.3842 for TME419 and 0.2677 for NR8082 varieties. This indicates that 38.4% of the variation of adoption of TME 419 cassava variety ias explained (or accounted for) by the independent variables considered in this study. Similarly, the analysis revealed that 27% of variation in 4 adoption of NR8082 cassava variety was accounted for by the variables examined in this study. The significant determinants of adoption of the two improved varieties were: educational status, farming experience, sex, membership of cooperative society, extension contact, adaptability of' technology and compatibility of technology which significantly and positively influenced adoption. Age, sex and complexity of' technology had negative influence on adoption. The level of adoption of these varieties had a grand mean of 2.6 which was higher than the mean adoption score of TME419 but lower than that of NR8082 showing that NR8082 has higher level of adoption than TME 419, the result exposed the reasons for adoption and non adoption of these varieties, the problems facing cassava farmers in the study area, and suggested remedies by the farmers. Since farmers accepted these two varieties in their varying degrees as a result of their qualities, it was recommended that cassava research institute wquld continue to multiply these improved and accepted varieties to the farmers for increased productivity. It was also recommended that agricultural inputs be made available for farmers at subsidized rates, such as fertilizers, improved planting materials like cassava varieties, that are resistant to attacks of higher animals like goat. Labour subsidy, provision of loan and establishment of nearby markets for cassava farmers will 4 help to improve agricultural production in the study area as we!! as reducing the problem of economic /food crisis in the economy today.