ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES BY CASSAVA FARMERS IN DELTA STATE NIGERIA

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

The study examined farmers’ perception and utilization of indigenous and improved yam storage technologies in Delta and Edo states, Nigeria. The study investigated the level of utilisation of indigenous and improved yam storage technologies among yam farmers; ascertained the preferred indigenous and improved yam storage technologies among yam farmers across the agricultural zones in Delta and Edo States; compared the compatibility of both yam storage technologies in Delta and Edo States; identified the constraints facing the uses of both yam storage technologies; and examined the effectiveness in utilization of both yam storage technologies. Simple random sampling done in stages was used to compose the sample. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Variables were measured using sigma scoring method and four-point Likert-type scale. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test for dependent and independent variables, Analysis of Variance and Multiple Correlation). The results obtained showed that indigenous yam storage technologies highly utilized by yam farmers were traditional yam barn at home (¯X=3.37), traditional yam barn in the farm (¯X=3.13), and vertical wooden stakes in farm (¯X =2.90) while the improved yam storage technologies highly utilisation by the farmers were storage shed (¯X=2.62 and improved yam barn (Shelves) (¯X=2.56). The most preferred indigenous and improved yam storage technologies were the traditional yam barn at home and improved yam barn (shelves) respectively. The level of utilisation of both yam storage technologies were of significant differences. The total compatibility between both yam storage technologies revealed significant difference among yam farmers. In Delta and Edo, the level of utilisation between both yam storage technologies in Delta and Edo States among the yam farmers were related (F = 46.91; p < 0.05). The extension service organizations and research institutes should intensify efforts to make yam farmers adopt more improved yam storage technologies to reduce spoilage, enhance yam availability both for consumption and export all year round.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.