ABSTRACT

This project was designed to study the adoption of improved cassava varieties in Ikot Ekpene Agricultural Zone of Akwa Ibom state. This came as a result of the observation that cassava production seems to decline in recent years in the zone despite the introduction of improved cassava varieties into the zone .by Research Institutes in the country. The objectives of the study were: to examine the adoption of improved cassava varieties in Ikot Ekpene Agricultural Zone, to determine; the socio-economic profile, extent of awareness, rate of adoption, factors militating against adoption, and to make suggestions based on findings. The improved cassava varieties involved in the study were; TMS30572, TMS4 (2)1425, NR8082 and NR8083. The sampling procedure used was the multi-stage sampling technique. The eight blocks in the zone constituted clusters. From this cluster, one block was randomly selected. From this block, five cells (circles) were selected. From each cell, two villages were selected. From each village, ten farmers were selected. A total of 100 farmers were randomly selected from 10 villages in 5 circles in the block. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse the data collected. Results show that 68% of cassava farmers are males, which indicate that cassava is not really a female dominated crop in the zone. Only 28% had ideal family size according to Nigerian population policy. About.29% had at least secondary education while only 45% had farming as their primary occupation. About 66% were located closer to markets and only 21% were involved in co-operative associations. Up to 85% had about 10 years farming experience while 65% had below 3 hectares of land, indicating small scale farmers. Up to 50% had no contact with extension workers indicating poor communication. The result revealed that 92% of the sampled farmers were aware of some improved varieties and 68% adopted at least one improved variety while only 20% of them adopted the four improved cassava varieties. Regression analyses reveal that farm size and level of formal education of farmers were significant determinants of the rate of adoption of improved cassava varieties. The main constraints faced by cassava farmers were lack of agricultural inputs like fertilizer, insecticides and tractor. Otherinclude problems with land tenancy, lack of effective labour force, among others. In order to improve the rate of adoption of improved cassava varieties by cassava farmers, it was recommended that government should utilize fufu the provisions of the land use decree of 1978 for equitable allocation of land among progressive but land-starved farmers at lower cost. Education should be made free for all Nigerians. Local manufacturing and effective distribution of agricultural inputs should be encouraged. The youth should be  encouraged.