Socio-economic factors affecting adoption of early maturing maize varieties by small scale farmers in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined the socioeconomic factors affecting early maturing maize varieties adoption in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. Using random sampling techniques, 300 maize farmers were selected across 10 communities in the Local Government area. Out of the 300 respondents sampled 163 were non-adopters and 137 were adopters. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, adoption index and Probit regression models. The major findings showed that 88% of respondents were male headed, average age of household head was 44 years, average household size was 11 persons, dependency ratio was 1.49, level of education was Islamic education, average years of schooling was 5 years and average years of farming was 25 years. About 65% of farmers had access to extension agent, only about 10% had access to credit and labor force was mostly family labor. Results of probit model showed that farmers' size of land for maize cultivation (1%), farmers' participation in an association (1%), number of extension contacts (10%), age of farmer (5%) and income from sales of maize (1%) influenced the adoption of early maturing maize varieties. The adoption of early maturing maize varieties has contributed in increasing the income of maize farming households as well as enhancing the status of maize farming households.

Effects of Socio-Economic Features of Maize Farmers on the Adoption of Maize (Bundled Services) in Kano State, Nigeria

“…The implication is that the relatively large household size may likely enhance the family labour supply on the farms, hence supporting favorably productive capacities of the farmers supported by their age. The result is in agreement with findings of Nathanel et al (2015) who reported an average household size of 11 persons.…”

“…This implies that having contact with the extension agents tend to improve farmers productivity, hence enhance farmers ability to efficiently utilize resources. This is in line with findings of Nathanel et al (2015) who reported that majority of both adopters and non-adopters had contact with extension agents to a percentage greater than 60%. The result in Table 4 also indicates that 33.3% of the respondents had contact with extension agents on monthly basis,11.7% had contact on yearly basis while 9.2%, 7.5%, 5.0% of the respondents had contact on weekly, quarterly and daily basis, respectively.…”

Assessment of Farmers’ Information Sources Under Shelterbelt Projects in the Frontline States of North Western Nigeria

“…Household size determines the available human labor force leaving together and eating from the same pot that can be employed in carrying out agricultural activities. Source: Field survey, 2020 Ndaghu et al (2015) said household size determines the availability of household labor supply. Farm size refers to the totality of the farm lands owned plus rented by the respondents during the study period.…”

“…Choice of analytical technique depended on the nature of the analysis to be done. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) used by Ndaghu et al (2015) were adopted to achieve objectives of the studies.…”

Moving Biofortified Cassava Products Closer to Market in Nigeria

“…This also highlights that extension service agents and marketing personnel are not adequately mobilized to bridge information that presents this challenge that hinders consumer/suppliers willingness to consume and adopt innovative practices. A study by Onuk et al (2010) found that the high level of awareness of different striga tolerant maize varieties reflects communication innovation to producers in the study area. Therefore, adoption of a new technology relies more on awareness (Apata et al, 2008;Kotler and Armstrong, 2008).…”