ABSTRACT

This study examined the adoption of fruits and vegetables preservation technologies extended to farmers in lmo State. A total of 106 farmers who engaged in fruit and vegetable farming were randomly selected from the three agricultural zones of Imo State namely Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu. Data collected were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics such as frequencies, means and percentages. Mean adoption scores as well as the maximum likelihood probit regression analysis. The regression analysis showed that the joint influence of the independent variables on the dependent variable was significant at 5% probability level. The regression result showed that among the independent variables regressed on the adoption level, the influence of martial status and educational level were statistically significant in explaining the variability in the adoption level of the technologies. Results indicate that the majority of respondents fell within the age range of 41-60years (71.6%). Majority of the respondents (84%) were educated. Result also showed that household size was large in Imo State. Findings also showed that the level of adoption was very low with range adoption for all time technologies at .605 5 (lowest) -1 .3119 (highest). This implies that though the percentage of awareness was high, time adoption level was still very low. This may be due to the food habit and culture of the lmo people, they prefer fresh fruits and vegetables from the garden in their meal, rather than preserved fruits and vegetables. Likeness for the technologies, efficiency and affordability were the major reasons for adoption while supply of input and transportation were the most limiting factors to adoption. lii addition, extension agents were found to be the major source of information, visitation to demonstration centre and information from cooperative showed positive and significant association with adoption while large family size is a factor which significantly influenced adoption of the technology. It was recommended that Local, State and Federal Governments empower farmers with finances to encourage commercial faming, since most of them arc subsistence farmers with farm land of 0.1 -1 .0 bectare. Research Institute should study the farmers needs, culture and life pattern so that technologies should be based on the need of farmers. Experts in fruits amid vegetables as well as horticulturist are needed in extension to reach more farmers and encourage the farmers.