Factors influencing adoption of crop-based technologies in Jenkwe development area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study focused on the factors influencing adoption of crop-based technologies among farmers in Jenkwe Development Area (JDA) of Nasarawa State of Nigeria. The research respondents consisted of 96 farmers from five districts of the development area selected through multi-stage sampling techniques. Primary data were obtained by means of a structured interview schedule administered on the respondents. The result was analysed using descriptive statistical tool in the form of frequency and percentage. Regression analysis using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to determine relationship some variables. The results showed a significant negative relationship between adoption and number of farm plots (r = -229) and farm size (r = -198), positively significant correlation with years of farming experience (r = .190) and farm income (r = .172) at 5%. Also low level of education and advanced age of the respondents contributed to low level of technology adoption. Fertilizer application (87.50), spacing technique (82.29%); intercropping practice (71.88%); and storage measures (70.83%) were accorded varying levels of high adoption by respondents. This study recommends that technologies dissemination to farmers should be based on potential economic benefits, while requisite inputs should be made available and accessible to farmers on time and at affordable price.