AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

CONSTRAINTS TO ADOPTION OF INNOVATIONS BY CASSAVA FARMERS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Okorie, Oguejiofor Joseph , Omeje, Emmanuel Ejiofor and Awoyelu, Festus E.

Abstract
The study analyzed the constraints and levels of adoption of innovation with special interest in cassava production by farmers in Enugu state, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 240 cassava farm households using structured questionnaire. The analytical techniques involved descriptive statistics. It was revealed that male constitutes about 74 percent of respondents, while 44 percent of respondents fall within the active age of farming. About 80 and 83 percents of the farmers were married and had basic education respectively. The major constraints hindering the adoption of innovation by cassava farmers were: lack of capital, poor access to credit and low income, followed by land tenure problems, price and processing challenges. Comparing the influence of adoption of innovation to farmers’ gross margin. The results showed that the farmers who adopted new innovations had the highest share (about 70 percent) of profitability while those without innovation had the lowest (about 30 percent) profit. Recommendations were that Government should provide soft loan to farmers who may not have sufficient requirement for conventional loan. Insurance schemes should be made available to farmers to solve the problem of risk and uncertainty in the farming. There should be subsidization agro-inputs to enhance their affordability by rural farmers.