Expository Analysis of Utilization of Improved (Taro) Cocoyam Production Technologies among Farmers in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cocoyam is one of the major subsistent crops that plays an important role in the lives of many Nigerians as a food security crop and it has become an important component of rural development because of cocoyam rebirth programme embraced upon by NRCRI. This study examined utilization of improved cocoyam production technologies among farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study ascertained cocoyam technologies that had been transferred to farmers; identified source (s) of information on cocoyam production technologies to farmers; assessed the level of utilization of cocoyam production technologies by farmers in the study area; and ascertained the socio-economic factors that significantly influence utilization of improved technologies on cocoyam production in Abia State, Nigeria.  Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 90 taro (cocoyam) farmer. Objectives were achieved using simple descriptive statistics and O L S multiple regression the model. The results shows that the main technology transfer were 25g set of cocoyam (80%), Time of planting (May -June) (68.89%), Crop mixture (Arable Cropping)  (64.44%), use of manure (56.67%) and weed control (56.67%). NRCRI (70%), Market place (65.56%), Health center (52.22%) and radio (52.22%) were the dominant sources of information for taro (cocoyam) farming technology in the area. Result on level of utilization of cocoyam farming technologies revealed that 25g set of taro (cocoyam) (= 2.878), use of mulching materials has mean of (= 2.822); Time of planting (May -June) (= 2.8) and spacing adopted (100cm × 50cm) ” (=2.6) have high level of level of utilization of cocoyam storage techniques by farmers in the study area. OLS estimate on socio-economic factors influencing utilization of improved cocoyam technology Shows that positive relationship exists between education attainment, farmer experience, household size and labour while there is an inverse relationship between Farm sizes of the farmers. The study therefore recommended that an awareness creation in the use of the various technologies by extension would be a necessary step towards increased cultivation and production of cocoyam.