ABSTRACT

The study was analyzed determinants of adoption of improved cassava varieties by farmers in Umunneochi L.G.A of Abia State. The objective were to identity the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, to identify the improved varieties planted by the farmers in the study area, to estimate the level of adoption of improved cassava, to estimate the determinants of adoption of improved cassava, among the farmers in the study area, to compare the yield and income between adopters and nonadopters of improved cassava varieties. A multistage sampling techniques were used to collect information from eight7farmers in the study area (40 adopters and 40 non-adopters) in the study area. To estimate the determinant of adoption probit analysis, Z-test and 6 point likert rating scale were used probit regression analysis was sued to determine the relationship between socio-economics characteristics of farmers of adopters and non-adopter of improved cassava varieties. The results of the discipline statistics show that the study area is female dominated. They one still in their productive age, strong and agile. Majority are married with large household sizes. They are educated, experienced with majority who do not belong to any association. Most of the adopters planted TMS 30001 and a TMS 30555 and also at the evaluation stage of adoption with these varieties. The coefficient for marital status was positively signed and significant at 10% as well as education and fcwming experience of 5% level. The coefficient for income was also positively signed and highly significant at 1% level. The coefficient for occupational state, was negatively signed and significant at 5% level. The adopters performed better than the nonadopters in terms, of yield and income from the cassava varieties planted. The results therefore call for policies aimed at the provision of free education and encouraging the experience farmers to increase production and adoption of improved varieties for incurred income..