ABSTRACT

The study examined the influence of personal attribute and felt needs of farmers on adoption of Pro-Vitamin A cassava technologies in Abia state. The specific objectives were to: identify the personal attributes and felt needs of the farmers on adoption of Pro-Vitamin A cassava technologies in the study area; determine the level of adoption of Pro-Vitamin A cassava in the study area; examine the constraints affecting the adoption of Pro-Vitamin A cassava. Sample size was 243. Data for the study was obtained from primary sources with the use of a questionnaire. Findings from the regression estimates-on the relationship between farmers personal attributes and level of adoption of pro-vitamin A cassava technology indicates that the coefficient of regression for age, educational qualification, farm size and number of crops cultivated were significant at 1%, 5%, 1% and 5% levels respectively. Therefore, we reject the null hypothesis and accepted alternative which states that there is positive relationship between the personal attributes of the farmers and their adoption of Pro-Vitamin A cassava technologies in the study area. Findings from the regression estimates of the relationship between farmers felt needs and adoption of Pro- Vitamin A cassava technologies as indicated by that about 74% variations in felt needs and level of adoption of Pro-Vitamin A cassava technologies. The t-statistic is 2.60 and p-value of 0.02 shows a significant relationship between the variance of the estimate and the variance of the independent variables, p< 0,05. It implies that there was a significant relationship between farmers Felt needs and Adoption of Pro-Vitamin A cassava technologies Results from the regression estimates of relationship between the constraints to the adoption of Pro- Vitamin A cassava and the adoption pf Pro-vitamin A cassava technologies. 87% indicate a strong model. This was also backed up by an Adjusted R2of 80%, which the variable accounted for the variance in effective instructional delivery. The t-statistic is 5.83 with p value of 0.03 shows a significant relationship between the variance of the estimate and the variance of the independent variables, p < 0.05, It implies that there was a significant relationship between the constraints and the adoption of Pro-Vitamin A cassava technologies. From the findings recommendations were made which includes, increased training and mobilizing of agricultural extension personnel so that they can do their jobs effectively and efficiently. This will help the agricultural extension agents reach out the farmers and public in popularizing "Pro-vitamin A" cassava products for improve marketing strategy.