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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Agriculture remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing approximately 25% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing about 70% of the active labour force, with the majority being smallholder farmers (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2020). The sector is critical for food security, poverty reduction, and economic development, particularly in rural areas where agricultural activities constitute the primary source of livelihood for most households. However, Nigeria’s agricultural sector faces numerous challenges, including low productivity, climate variability, limited access to improved technologies, inadequate extension services, and poor infrastructure, which collectively constrain agricultural productivity and income generation (Adebayo & Ogunleye, 2021).
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is one of the most important staple food crops in Nigeria, serving as a major source of carbohydrates for over 80% of the population and a significant source of income for millions of smallholder farmers (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture [IITA], 2020). Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava in the world, accounting for about 20% of global production, with an estimated annual production of over 60 million tonnes. The crop is cultivated across all agro-ecological zones in the country, with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) being one of the significant production areas (Bamire & Adebayo, 2019).
Cassava is valued for its versatility, drought tolerance, and ability to grow on marginal soils, making it an important food security crop for resource-poor farmers (Olaniyi & Ogunleye, 2019). The crop provides food, feed, and industrial raw materials, with various processed products including garri, fufu, cassava flour, starch, and ethanol. The cassava value chain has significant potential for job creation, income generation, and economic development, particularly in rural areas where alternative employment opportunities are limited (Adebayo, 2020).
Despite Nigeria’s position as the world’s largest cassava producer, average yields remain considerably below potential, with national average yields of about 10-15 tonnes per hectare compared to potential yields of 30-40 tonnes per hectare achievable with improved varieties and recommended practices (FAO, 2020). This low productivity is largely attributed to poor agronomic practices, limited adoption of improved varieties, inadequate fertilizer application, and poor pest and disease management, which collectively limit cassava production and constrain the contribution of cassava to household food security and income generation (Ogunleye, 2020).
Recommended cassava production practices encompass a range of technologies and management strategies designed to optimize yield and quality, including the use of improved varieties (such as TME 419, TMS 30572, and NR 8082), appropriate planting density, optimum fertilizer application, integrated pest and disease management (particularly for cassava mosaic disease and cassava bacterial blight), and timely harvesting and processing (IITA, 2020). These practices have been developed through research and validated under local conditions to enhance productivity, reduce production costs, and improve profitability. However, the adoption of these practices among cassava farmers in Nigeria remains suboptimal (Adebayo & Olaniyi, 2021).
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, comprising six area councils, has significant agricultural potential, with Bwari and Kuje area councils being notable cassava-producing areas (Ogunleye & Akintola, 2019). These area councils are characterized by a mix of rural and peri-urban agricultural systems, where smallholder farmers engage in cassava production alongside other crops. Cassava cultivation is a major livelihood activity for farming households in these area councils, providing substantial food and income (Adebayo & Ogunleye, 2020).
The adoption of recommended cassava production practices in Bwari and Kuje area councils is influenced by various factors, including farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, access to information and extension services, availability of inputs, and institutional support (Kumar et al., 2020). Studies conducted in other cassava-producing areas have identified education level, farming experience, extension contact, access to credit, membership of cooperative societies, and land tenure arrangements as key determinants of adoption (Babatunde & Qaim, 2019). Understanding these factors is essential for designing effective interventions to promote adoption and enhance productivity.
Climate change poses a significant threat to cassava production in the FCT, with adverse impacts on rainfall patterns, temperature regimes, and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (Nigerian Meteorological Agency [NiMet], 2020). Cassava is relatively drought-tolerant compared to other crops, but prolonged drought and erratic rainfall can still affect establishment, growth, and yield. The adoption of recommended practices, including improved varieties with drought tolerance, appropriate planting dates, and soil conservation practices, can help farmers adapt to climate variability and build resilience to climate change impacts (Ahmed et al., 2019).
The role of agricultural extension services in promoting adoption of recommended practices cannot be overstated. Extension services provide farmers with information, training, and technical support to improve their production practices and adopt new technologies (Adebayo & Ogunleye, 2020). However, extension services in the FCT, as in many parts of Nigeria, face significant challenges, including underfunding, inadequate staffing, limited mobility, and weak linkages with research institutions, which hamper their effectiveness in reaching farmers with improved technologies (Ogunleye & Adebayo, 2020).
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through various policies and programs, has sought to promote agricultural transformation and food security, including the Agricultural Promotion Policy (2016-2020) and the current efforts under the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy. These policies emphasize the importance of agricultural research, technology development, and dissemination in enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development [FMARD], 2016). The cassava value chain has been a particular focus of government attention, with programs such as the Presidential Initiative on Cassava aiming to promote cassava production, processing, and marketing. However, significant gaps remain between policy intentions and implementation realities, particularly regarding the delivery of improved technologies and support services to smallholder farmers (Olaniyi, 2020).
The quality of planting materials is a critical factor affecting cassava production and technology adoption. Access to quality stems of improved varieties is essential for achieving the productivity gains associated with recommended practices (IITA, 2020). However, farmers in Bwari and Kuje area councils often face challenges in accessing quality planting materials, including limited availability, poor distribution networks, and inadequate knowledge of variety characteristics, which constrain adoption and limit productivity (Mohammed et al., 2020).
The role of farmer organizations, including cooperative societies and farmer groups, in promoting adoption of recommended practices has been recognized in the agricultural development literature (Kumar et al., 2020). Membership in farmer organizations can facilitate access to information, inputs, credit, and markets, supporting adoption of improved technologies. In Bwari and Kuje area councils, the effectiveness of farmer organizations in promoting cassava technology adoption requires empirical investigation (Muhammad et al., 2020).
The gender dimensions of cassava production and technology adoption have implications for intervention design and targeting. Women play important roles in cassava production, particularly in processing and marketing, but often have limited access to resources, information, and decision-making power (Doss et al., 2020). In the FCT, women are actively involved in cassava cultivation and processing, but gender disparities in access to inputs, extension services, and credit may constrain their adoption of recommended practices. Understanding gender patterns in technology adoption is essential for designing inclusive interventions that address the specific needs and constraints of both male and female farmers (Ogunleye, 2020).
The post-harvest handling and processing aspects of cassava production have important implications for profitability and technology adoption. Cassava roots are highly perishable and must be processed within 48-72 hours after harvest to prevent deterioration (FAO, 2020). Recommended post-harvest practices, including timely harvesting, proper storage, and efficient processing, can reduce post-harvest losses and improve produce quality, enhancing market access and profitability. However, post-harvest practices among cassava farmers in the study area have received limited research attention (Bamire & Adebayo, 2019).
The market access and marketing constraints faced by cassava farmers in the study area require investigation. Market access affects farmers’ incentives to adopt recommended practices and invest in improved production (Adebayo, 2020). In the FCT, cassava farmers face challenges including limited market information, price volatility, high transportation costs, and weak market linkages. Understanding marketing constraints is essential for developing interventions to improve market access and profitability (Olaniyi & Ogunleye, 2019).
The institutional and policy environment affecting cassava production and technology adoption in the study area requires analysis. Government policies, institutional frameworks, and support programs influence farmers’ access to resources and incentives for adoption (FMARD, 2016). The FCT Administration has implemented various programs to support agricultural development, but the effectiveness of these programs in promoting cassava technology adoption needs to be assessed (Ogunleye & Akintola, 2019).
The social networks and social capital among cassava farmers in the study area have implications for technology dissemination and adoption (Rogers, 2018). Social networks, including family ties, community groups, and farmer organizations, provide channels for information exchange, knowledge sharing, and mutual support that can facilitate adoption. In Bwari and Kuje area councils, social networks may play a particularly important role in technology dissemination, given the limited reach of formal extension services (Muhammad et al., 2020).
The economic benefits of adopting recommended cassava production practices have been demonstrated in various studies, with adopters achieving higher yields, better quality produce, and improved profitability compared to non-adopters (Olaniyi & Ogunleye, 2019). However, the magnitude of these benefits in the specific context of Bwari and Kuje area councils has not been adequately documented. Understanding the economic implications of adoption is essential for building a compelling case for technology promotion and motivating farmer interest (Bamire & Adebayo, 2019).
The constraints that limit adoption of recommended cassava production practices in the study area require systematic identification and analysis. Barriers such as limited access to quality planting materials, high input costs, inadequate credit facilities, poor extension services, limited market access, and land tenure issues likely constrain adoption (Ogunleye & Adebayo, 2020). Understanding these constraints is essential for designing interventions to address them and facilitate wider adoption (Mohammed et al., 2020).
In light of the foregoing, this study is designed to examine the factors influencing adoption of recommended cassava production practices by farmers in Bwari and Kuje Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The study will examine the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers, determine their awareness and adoption levels, identify the factors influencing adoption, examine the relationship between adoption and farm productivity, and identify the constraints to adoption. The findings will contribute to the empirical literature on agricultural technology adoption in Nigeria and provide evidence for policy formulation and program design.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Cassava production in Bwari and Kuje Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has significant potential to contribute to household food security, income generation, and poverty reduction among farming households. However, the productivity of cassava farms in these area councils remains considerably below potential, largely due to limited adoption of recommended production practices (Ogunleye & Akintola, 2019). This low productivity constrains the contribution of cassava production to improving livelihoods and reducing poverty among farming households, despite the favourable agro-ecological conditions and proximity to urban markets in Abuja.
Recommended cassava production practices, including improved varieties, appropriate planting density, optimum fertilizer application, and integrated pest and disease management, have been developed and validated to address the productivity constraints facing cassava farmers (IITA, 2020). These practices have been demonstrated to significantly increase yields, improve produce quality, and enhance profitability in various production contexts. However, the extent of adoption of these practices among cassava farmers in Bwari and Kuje area councils remains inadequately documented, limiting understanding of the current situation and the scope for intervention (Ogunleye, 2020).
The socioeconomic characteristics of cassava farmers in Bwari and Kuje area councils, including age, education level, farming experience, household size, and income, likely influence their awareness and adoption of recommended practices (Babatunde & Qaim, 2019). However, the specific characteristics and their relationship with adoption in the study area have not been comprehensively studied. Understanding these relationships is essential for identifying target groups for technology promotion and tailoring interventions to their specific needs and circumstances (Adebayo & Olaniyi, 2021).
The level of awareness of recommended cassava production practices among farmers in the study area has not been systematically assessed. Awareness is a critical prerequisite for adoption, as farmers must know about a technology before they can decide to adopt it (Rogers, 2018). The lack of awareness may be a significant barrier to adoption in Bwari and Kuje area councils, where extension services are limited and farmers may have limited exposure to information about improved practices (Mohammed et al., 2020). The specific practices that farmers are most and least aware of require identification to guide extension efforts.
The adoption level of specific recommended cassava production practices among farmers in the study area requires empirical investigation. Adoption is a multi-stage process, and farmers may adopt some practices while not adopting others (Rogers, 2018). Understanding the pattern of adoption across different practices is essential for identifying priority areas for intervention and designing effective dissemination strategies. For instance, farmers may readily adopt improved varieties but be reluctant to adopt fertilizer recommendations due to cost constraints (Olaniyi & Ogunleye, 2019).
The factors that influence adoption of recommended cassava production practices in Bwari and Kuje area councils have not been adequately identified and analyzed. Various factors, including socioeconomic characteristics, access to information and extension services, availability of inputs, institutional support, and environmental conditions, likely influence adoption decisions (Kumar et al., 2020). However, the relative importance of these factors in the study area remains unclear, limiting the effectiveness of targeting strategies for intervention (Adebayo & Ogunleye, 2020).
The relationship between adoption of recommended cassava production practices and farm productivity in the study area has not been empirically established. While recommended practices are expected to enhance productivity, the magnitude of productivity gains attributable to adoption in the specific context of Bwari and Kuje area councils requires investigation (Bamire & Adebayo, 2019). This evidence is essential for demonstrating the benefits of adoption and motivating farmer interest. Without empirical evidence, the case for promoting adoption remains incomplete and less compelling.
The constraints that limit adoption of recommended cassava production practices in Bwari and Kuje area councils require systematic identification and analysis. Barriers such as limited access to quality planting materials, high input costs, inadequate credit facilities, poor extension services, limited market access, and land tenure issues may constrain adoption (Ogunleye & Adebayo, 2020). The specific constraints faced by farmers in the study area need to be identified, their relative importance assessed, and their implications for intervention design understood.
The role of agricultural extension services in promoting adoption of recommended practices in the study area has not been evaluated. Extension services are the primary channel for technology dissemination to farmers, but their effectiveness in the Bwari and Kuje context has not been assessed (Adebayo & Ogunleye, 2020). The quality, frequency, and reach of extension services, as well as the sources of information farmers rely on, require investigation to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
The sources of information on recommended cassava production practices and their effectiveness in reaching farmers in the study area have not been examined. Farmers access information through various channels, including extension agents, radio, television, farmer organizations, social networks, and other farmers (Rogers, 2018). Understanding which channels are most effective in the study area can inform communication and dissemination strategies to enhance awareness and adoption (Muhammad et al., 2020).
The quality and availability of inputs, particularly improved cassava planting materials (stems), in the study area require investigation. Access to quality planting materials is a critical factor affecting adoption and productivity (IITA, 2020). However, information on the availability, quality, and distribution systems for improved cassava varieties in Bwari and Kuje area councils is limited. Understanding the constraints farmers face in accessing quality planting materials is essential for designing interventions to address these constraints.
The post-harvest practices and losses among cassava farmers in the study area have not been adequately documented. Post-harvest losses significantly affect profitability and food security (FAO, 2020). Cassava roots are highly perishable, and post-harvest losses can be substantial if appropriate handling and processing practices are not followed. Understanding current post-harvest practices and the extent of losses is essential for designing interventions to reduce losses and improve profitability (Olaniyi & Ogunleye, 2019).
The market access and marketing constraints faced by cassava farmers in the study area require investigation. Market access affects farmers’ incentives to adopt recommended practices and invest in improved production (Bamire & Adebayo, 2019). In Bwari and Kuje area councils, farmers face challenges including limited market information, price volatility, high transportation costs, and weak market linkages. Understanding marketing constraints is essential for developing interventions to improve market access and profitability, which in turn can incentivize adoption.
The gender dimensions of technology adoption in cassava production in Bwari and Kuje area councils have not been adequately explored. Gender disparities in access to resources, information, and decision-making power may affect adoption patterns and outcomes (Doss et al., 2020). Women play significant roles in cassava production and processing, but often face greater constraints than men. Understanding these dynamics is essential for designing inclusive interventions that address the specific needs of both male and female farmers.
The institutional and policy environment affecting cassava production and technology adoption in the study area requires analysis. Government policies, institutional frameworks, and support programs influence farmers’ access to resources and incentives for adoption (FMARD, 2016). The FCT Administration has implemented various programs to support agricultural development, but their effectiveness in promoting cassava technology adoption needs to be assessed to identify areas for improvement and strengthen institutional support mechanisms (Ogunleye & Akintola, 2019).
Given the foregoing, this study is designed to examine the factors influencing adoption of recommended cassava production practices by farmers in Bwari and Kuje Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The study will specifically: (i) describe the socioeconomic characteristics of cassava farmers; (ii) determine farmers’ awareness of recommended cassava production practices; (iii) assess the adoption level of recommended cassava production practices; (iv) identify the factors influencing adoption of recommended cassava production practices; (v) examine the relationship between adoption and farm productivity; and (vi) identify the constraints to adoption of recommended practices.
1.3 Aim of the Study
The aim of this study is to examine the factors influencing adoption of recommended cassava production practices by farmers in Bwari and Kuje Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study are to:
- Describe the socioeconomic characteristics of cassava farmers in Bwari and Kuje Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
- Determine the awareness level of recommended cassava production practices among farmers in the study area.
- Assess the adoption level of recommended cassava production practices among farmers in the study area.
- Identify the factors influencing the adoption of recommended cassava production practices among farmers in the study area.
- Examine the relationship between adoption of recommended cassava production practices and farm productivity in the study area.
- Identify the constraints to the adoption of recommended cassava production practices among farmers in the study area.
To achieve the objectives of this study, the following research questions are posed:
- What are the socioeconomic characteristics of cassava farmers in Bwari and Kuje Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja?
- What is the level of awareness of recommended cassava production practices among farmers in the study area?
- What is the adoption level of recommended cassava production practices among farmers in the study area?
- What factors influence the adoption of recommended cassava production practices among farmers in the study area?
- What is the relationship between adoption of recommended cassava production practices and farm productivity in the study area?
- What are the constraints to the adoption of recommended cassava production practices among farmers in the study area?
The following null and alternative hypotheses are formulated for this study:
Hypothesis One
- H₀: There is no significant relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and adoption of recommended cassava production practices among farmers in the study area.
- H₁: There is a significant relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and adoption of recommended cassava production practices among farmers in the study area.
- H₀: Farmers’ awareness level of recommended cassava production practices in the study area is not significantly related to adoption.
- H₁: Farmers’ awareness level of recommended cassava production practices in the study area is significantly related to adoption.
- H₀: Institutional factors (extension contact, credit access, cooperative membership) do not significantly influence adoption of recommended cassava production practices in the study area.
- H₁: Institutional factors (extension contact, credit access, cooperative membership) significantly influence adoption of recommended cassava production practices in the study area.
- H₀: There is no significant relationship between adoption of recommended cassava production practices and farm productivity in the study area.
- H₁: There is a significant relationship between adoption of recommended cassava production practices and farm productivity in the study area.
- H₀: Farmers in the study area do not face significant constraints to the adoption of recommended cassava production practices.
- H₁: Farmers in the study area face significant constraints to the adoption of recommended cassava production practices.
1.7 Significance of the Study
This study is significant for several reasons. First, it will contribute to the empirical literature on agricultural technology adoption in Nigeria, specifically focusing on cassava production in the Federal Capital Territory, where limited research has been conducted on this subject. The findings will add to the growing body of knowledge on adoption of recommended practices and their implications for agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
Second, the study will provide policy-relevant information to guide decision-making regarding agricultural technology dissemination, extension services, and support programs for cassava farmers. By identifying the factors influencing adoption and the constraints faced by farmers, the findings will inform the design of effective policies and programs to promote adoption and enhance cassava productivity. This is particularly relevant given the importance of cassava for food security and poverty reduction in Nigeria.
Third, the findings will assist agricultural extension services in designing and delivering more effective advisory and support programs for cassava farmers. Understanding farmers’ awareness levels, adoption patterns, and constraints will enable extension agents to tailor their approaches to address the specific needs and circumstances of farmers in Bwari and Kuje area councils.
Fourth, the study will provide evidence on the relationship between adoption of recommended practices and farm productivity, demonstrating the benefits of adoption and building a case for investment in technology promotion. This evidence can be used to motivate farmer interest and support advocacy for increased investment in agricultural research and extension services in the FCT.
Fifth, the research will identify the specific constraints to adoption in the study area, informing the design of interventions to address these barriers and facilitate wider adoption. This will contribute to more effective and sustainable outcomes from technology promotion efforts, ensuring that resources are directed to addressing the most critical constraints.
Sixth, the study will be useful for agricultural input suppliers, including research institutes, seed companies, and agro-dealers, in understanding the demand for improved cassava planting materials and the factors that influence farmers’ input choices. This information can guide investment decisions, planting material production planning, and marketing strategies.
Seventh, the findings will contribute to the broader discourse on agricultural transformation and food security in Nigeria, providing a case study from the FCT that can be compared with findings from other regions. This will enhance understanding of regional variations and commonalities in technology adoption patterns and inform national-level policy formulation.
Eighth, the study will highlight the gender dimensions of technology adoption in cassava production, providing evidence on differential patterns and constraints faced by male and female farmers. This information is essential for designing gender-sensitive policies and programs that ensure equitable access to technology and support services.
Ninth, the research will provide baseline data on adoption patterns and determinants that can be used for monitoring and evaluation of development programs and interventions in the study area. This will facilitate evidence-based assessment of program impacts and outcomes, supporting adaptive management and learning.
Tenth, the study will contribute to capacity building by providing research experience and training opportunities for researchers, students, and field enumerators involved in the project. This will strengthen local research capacity and promote knowledge transfer, contributing to the development of a robust agricultural research system in Nigeria.
1.8 Scope of the Study
The study focuses on the factors influencing adoption of recommended cassava production practices by farmers in Bwari and Kuje Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The geographical scope covers two area councils of the FCT, namely Bwari and Kuje, which are selected based on their significance as cassava-producing areas with substantial agricultural potential.
The content scope encompasses recommended cassava production practices, defined as the technologies and management practices developed and recommended by agricultural research institutions and extension services for optimizing cassava production. These include improved varieties (such as TME 419, TMS 30572, NR 8082, and others), appropriate planting density (spacing), optimum fertilizer application rates and methods, integrated pest and disease management, weed control, and timely harvesting practices.
The study population consists of cassava farmers in Bwari and Kuje area councils who cultivate cassava as a significant component of their farming activities. The study focuses on smallholder farmers who constitute the majority of cassava producers in the area, with farm sizes typically ranging from 0.5 to 5 hectares.
The analytical scope covers descriptive statistics to characterize the sample population and adoption patterns, awareness index to measure awareness levels, adoption index to measure adoption levels, logit regression or probit regression to identify factors influencing adoption, and descriptive analysis to identify constraints to adoption. The relationship between adoption and farm productivity will be examined using correlation analysis or t-tests comparing adopters and non-adopters.
The study is limited to the 2022/2023 production season for primary data collection, though secondary data sources may provide additional context. The study does not cover other area councils of the FCT beyond Bwari and Kuje.
1.9 Limitation of the Study
The study is subject to several limitations. First, the geographical scope is limited to Bwari and Kuje Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. While these are significant cassava-producing areas, the findings may not be directly generalizable to other area councils in the FCT or other states of Nigeria, given variations in agro-ecological conditions, socioeconomic contexts, and institutional environments.
Second, the study relies on primary data collected through structured questionnaires from a sample of cassava farmers. The accuracy and reliability of the data depend on the honesty and recollection ability of respondents, which may introduce recall bias and measurement errors. Respondents may overstate or understate their adoption levels, yield levels, and other variables. This is a common limitation of survey-based research in agricultural settings.
Third, the cross-sectional nature of the study, covering a single production season, may not capture temporal variations in adoption patterns and productivity outcomes. Seasonal fluctuations in climatic conditions, market prices, and other factors may influence outcomes, and a longitudinal study would provide a more comprehensive understanding of adoption dynamics over time.
Fourth, the study focuses specifically on cassava production and does not consider other crops that farmers may cultivate. Farmers’ adoption decisions for cassava practices may be influenced by their broader farming system and livelihood strategies, which are not fully captured in this study.
Fifth, the study is constrained by time and financial resources, which limited the sample size and the scope of data collection. A larger sample and more extensive data collection, including field measurements and observations, would have strengthened the study findings and increased the precision of estimates.
Sixth, the study relies on self-reported adoption data, which may be subject to social desirability bias, with respondents reporting higher adoption levels than actually practiced. Direct observation and field verification could have provided more objective measures of adoption but were beyond the scope of this study.
Seventh, the study did not account for the potential endogeneity of adoption decisions, which could bias the estimated relationships between adoption and productivity. While statistical techniques such as logit regression can help control for some confounders, unobserved factors may still influence both adoption decisions and outcomes. Addressing endogeneity would require more advanced econometric techniques and additional data.
Eighth, the study did not explore the economic profitability of adoption, including cost-benefit analysis and return on investment. Understanding the economic implications of adoption would provide a more comprehensive assessment of the value of recommended practices and strengthen the case for promotion.
Ninth, the study did not examine the quality aspects of cassava production, including root quality, starch content, and processing characteristics. Quality attributes affect market prices and processing outcomes but were beyond the scope of this study due to resource constraints.
Tenth, the study is based on data collected in a specific time period (2022/2023 production season), and subsequent developments in technology availability, market conditions, and policy frameworks may have altered the adoption landscape and outcomes. The findings should be interpreted in light of the context at the time of data collection.
Despite these limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing adoption of recommended cassava production practices by farmers in Bwari and Kuje area councils, contributing to the evidence base for agricultural technology promotion and rural development policy in the Federal Capital Territory.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Adoption: This refers to the decision by a farmer to use a recommended cassava production practice on his or her farm. In this study, a farmer is considered an adopter if he or she uses one or more of the recommended practices for cassava production.
Cassava: This refers to the root crop (Manihot esculenta Crantz) grown for its edible tuberous roots, which are a major source of carbohydrates for the Nigerian population. Cassava is used for food, feed, and industrial purposes.
Recommended Cassava Production Practices: These are the technologies and management practices developed and recommended by agricultural research institutions and extension services for optimizing cassava production. They include improved varieties, planting density, fertilizer application, pest and disease management, weed control, and harvesting practices.
Socioeconomic Characteristics: These are the personal, social, and economic attributes of farmers that may influence their behavior and decisions, including age, gender, education level, farming experience, household size, income, land ownership, and membership in organizations.
Awareness: This refers to farmers’ knowledge of the existence and characteristics of recommended cassava production practices. Awareness is a prerequisite for adoption, as farmers must know about a practice before they can decide to adopt it.
Adoption Level: This refers to the extent to which farmers use recommended practices in their cassava production. Adoption level can be measured as the number or proportion of recommended practices adopted by a farmer.
Farm Productivity: This refers to the efficiency of production, measured as the ratio of output (cassava root yield) to inputs (land, labour, capital, and other resources). In this study, productivity is measured in terms of cassava root yield per hectare.
Extension Services: This refers to the system of providing information, advice, and training to farmers to help them improve their agricultural practices and adopt new technologies. Extension services are provided by government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations.
Improved Variety: This refers to a cassava variety that has been developed through breeding programs to possess superior traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and better processing quality compared to local varieties.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This is an approach to pest management that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical control methods in a coordinated manner to minimize economic and environmental risks.
Planting Material: This refers to the cassava stems (cuttings) used for propagation. Quality planting materials are essential for establishing a healthy and productive cassava crop.
Bwari Area Council: One of the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, located in the northern part of the FCT. It is an important agricultural area with significant cassava production.
Kuje Area Council: One of the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, located in the southeastern part of the FCT. It is an important cassava-producing area with substantial agricultural potential.
Constraints: These are the barriers and obstacles that limit farmers’ ability to adopt recommended practices, including limited access to inputs, inadequate extension services, high input costs, limited credit, and poor market access.
Smallholder Farmer: A farmer who cultivates a small plot of land, typically less than 5 hectares, using family labour and relying on agriculture as the primary source of livelihood.
Farmer Organization: This refers to a group or association of farmers formed for mutual benefit, including cooperative societies, farmer groups, and associations that provide services such as input supply, credit, marketing, and information sharing.
Post-Harvest Handling: This refers to the practices and processes involved in managing cassava produce after harvest, including curing, sorting, grading, packaging, storage, and transportation, aimed at reducing losses and maintaining quality.
Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD): A viral disease of cassava that causes leaf distortion and reduced yields. Improved varieties with resistance to CMD are recommended for production.
Cassava Bacterial Blight (CBB): A bacterial disease of cassava that causes leaf blight and stem rot. Management practices include use of resistant varieties and cultural control measures.
Agro-Ecological Zone: A geographic area with similar climatic, soil, and vegetation characteristics that influence agricultural production possibilities and practices.
Market Access: The ability of farmers to reach markets to sell their produce and obtain inputs, influenced by distance, infrastructure, information, and institutional factors.
Innovation: This refers to an idea, practice, or object that is perceived as new by an individual or other unit of adoption. Recommended cassava production practices are innovations that farmers may adopt.
Diffusion: This refers to the process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among members of a social system. Adoption is the outcome of diffusion processes.
Social Capital: The networks, relationships, and social norms that facilitate cooperation and support among individuals and groups, providing access to information, resources, and opportunities.
Adoption Index: A measure used to quantify the level of adoption among farmers, based on the number or proportion of recommended practices adopted relative to the total number of practices recommended.
Awareness Index: A measure used to quantify farmers’ awareness of recommended practices, based on the number or proportion of practices that farmers know about.
