SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF TOMATO POSTHARVEST VALUE ADDITION TECHNOLOGIES (TPVTS) AMONG TIV FARMERS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined socio-economic factors influencing adoption of TPVTs among Tiv farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. A total sample size of 400 farmers were selected using cluster, purposive and random sampling techniques from six (6) Local Government Areas (LGA) who are the main producers of tomatoes in Benue State. Semi-structured Interview Schedule(SIS) and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were used for data collection. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis while qualitative data were analyzed through transcription of FGD responses The result showed that TPVTs studied were available to Tiv farmers in Benue State. The results also showed that majority (59.8%) of the tomato farmers in the study area were female within the mean age of 41 years who were mainly married people (62.7%). Further result showed that majority (47.0%) of the respondents acquired only primary education. with mean household size and farm size of 10 people and 2 hectares respectively. The result further indicated that the farmers acquired annual mean income of N 322,028 and average farming experience of 18 years. The study also revealed that farm size (P= 0.032), education (p=0.048), marital status (P=0.018) and age (P= 0.007) of the respondents significantly influenced adoption of TPVTs in the study area. The study therefore recommended among other things the improvement of rural farmer’s level of formal education since it has positive influence on adoption in the study area. This will enhance farmers understanding of extension teachings and training on TPVTs since most farmers in the study area lack the basic educational background to acquire the technical knowhow to practice some tomato post-harvest value addition technologies available in their area.