DETERMINANTS OF UPTAKE OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AMONG CASSAVA FARMERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Climate-smart agricultural practices are critical for transforming and reorienting farmers in response to the increasing impacts of climate change. This study analysed the determinants of the uptake of CSA practices among cassava farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, awareness and use of CSA practices, the factors influencing uptake of CSA practices and the barriers faced by Cassava farmers. Data were collected from 180 cassava farmers using structured questionnaires and analysed with descriptive statistics and the binary logit model. The results showed that the average age of farmers was 50 years, 60% were female, and 66% were married, with an average household size of six. Farmers had, on average, 12 years of formal education and 22.5 years of farming experience. Nearly all the Cassava farmers (96.7%) were aware of CSA practices and had contact with extension agents. Key determinants of CSA uptake included sex, education level, farm size, and frequency of extension contact. Major barriers included inadequate funding, insecure land tenure, limited access to credit, poor extension coverage, and insufficient, timely information and inputs. The study recommends that to enhance the uptake of Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices among cassava farmers in Imo State, extension services should be strengthened to provide regular training and technical support. Farmers should form cooperatives to enable resource sharing and better access to inputs and markets. In addition, disseminating timely, localised climate information through accessible platforms by Meteorological agencies, Ministries of Agriculture and Agricultural Extension agents can help farmers make informed decisions.