ABSTRACT

The study evaluated adoption of sweet potato intercrops technologies to farmers in Abia State. The objectives were, to examine the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers in the study area, identified the channels of communication used in disseminating of improved sweet potato production technologies transfer to farmers, ascertain farmers' adoption level of the improved sweet potato intercrop technologies transferred to them, identify socio-economic factors affecting adoption of technologies, determine the relationship between the socio-economic characteristics and constraints milting against adoption level of famers. The sample size for the study was one hundred and twenty farmers (120). Sample random technique was used to select the respondents. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, percentages, mean adoption model and tobit regression analysis. The results showed that more female farmers (60.9%) were interested in sweet potato production and 55.9% had age range between 20 - 50years. Primary crops identified in the area for intercrop include cassava, yam, cocoyam, rice and pumpkin. Sources of Information about improved sweet potato intercrop technologies were mostly through Radio, Television, and sources of planting materials were Extension Agents and fellow farmers. About 37.4% who were aware of the technology adopted it while 62.6% did not. Components of the technologies adopted were; improved varieties intercrop (0.41), plant spacing (0.56), plant geometry (0.1), applied fertilizer (0.85) and optimum plant population (0.34). Hindrances to applying the technologies were lack of planting material supply (90%), and low income (75.8%).The adoption level was significant at 1.0% and 5.0% respectively. Age (-2.56) at 5%, farming experience (3.60) at 1%, membership of cooperative society of farmers (2.14) at 5%. The study recommends the need for more farmers to join membership co-operative for increase awareness of the technologies. Extension agents should have regular contacts with farmers, for wide knowledge on sweet potato cultural practices for increase in experience of the technologies