AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
ISSN(Online): 2736-0040 ISSN(Print): 2695-1975
Abstract
The study assessed the extent of adoption of indigenous methods of treating malaria among cassava
farmers in Akwa Ibom State. Primary data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire and
responses recorded during focus group discussion. Sample sizes of 120 cassava farmers were randomly
selected for the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Logit Regression model.
Findings revealed that 56.7% of the respondents were male while 43.3% were female. A large proportion
(50.8%) of the respondents was within the age range of 31- 40 years. A total of fourteen (14) methods of
indigenous malaria therapies were known to cassava farmers in AKS,only six (6) variables showed high
adoption. These were; mixture of lemon grass + mango( bark)+lime + dogongaro + palmwine (x̄= 3.71),
unripe pawpaw +unripe pineapple +lime +lemon grass + H20 (x̄ 3.33 ), mixture of garlic +onion +H20
(x̄= 3.22) vinegar (x̄= 3.54), grape H20 (x̄=2.87) and moringa latifolia + H20 (x̄=2.80). With the grand
mean pooled data ( x̄ =2.58), hence farmers in the state were conversance of a good number of therapies
for the treatment of malaria in the area. Logit regression analysis revealed that age, gender, educational
attainment and years of farming experience were the major determinant of the use of IM. The study
recommends enlightenment campaigns to be carry out through extension agent to sensitize farmers on the
potentials and benefit of using indigenous therapies to improve their health needs in order complement
the high cost of orthodox medicine.