Adoption of Improved Cassava Production Technologies among Cassava Farmers in Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone, Oyo State, Nigeria

Despite breakthroughs that have been made worldwide in the area of improved production technologies, Nigerian farmers still rely so much on traditional methods of cassava production which in turn reduces the level of productivity, hence the need for adoption of improved cassava production technologies. This study therefore examined the adoption of improved cassava production technologies among cassava farmers in Ogbomoso agricultural zone. A multistage sampling procedure was employed for the selection of one hundred and ninety-seven (197) respondents for the study. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean were used to describe the socioeconomic characteristics and adoption level of improved cassava production technologies. The finding revealed that majority (80.7%) of the respondents were married, and the mean years of farming experience in cassava production was 18 years. All the cassava farmers were aware of improved cassava production technologies and had access to various information sources that aided their awareness status. Also, 83.2% of respondents had awareness of improved cassava production technologies that recommended spacing 1m x 1m or 1m x 0.8m for branching and non-branching cassava. Chi-square analysis reveals that significant relationship exist between sources of and the level of adoption of improved production technologies. The study concluded that cassava farmers in the study area adopted and utilize the improved production technologies with site selection and land preparation. Therefore, the study recommends that extension services should be policy driven to ensure adequate contact with farmers, regular contact with extension agents will enhance adoption of improve production technologies for cassava production.