Adoption of Selected Improved Agricultural Technologies by Farmers in Rivers State, Nigeria

The study investigated the adoption of selected improved agricultural technologies (yam minisetts, improved cassava stems and fertilizer application) by farmers in Rivers State, Nigeria. Ninety farmers were randomly selected from the area. The main tool for data collection was the questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that farmers' average age, average household size, average farm size, average farm income, average years spent in school and average farming experience were 55.6 years, 8 persons, 1.8ha, N148, 255.60, 9 years and 14.8 years respectively. The majority (57.80%, 87.70%, and 61.10%) of the farmers were males, married, and had no access to credit respectively. Majority (66.67%) were members of agricultural cooperative societies. Majority (60.00%) of the farmers had received an extension visit in 2011. Majority of the farmers who received extension visits (53.70%) were visited once in two weeks. More than 80% of farmers were falling in the low and medium level of mass media exposure. Majority (66.67%) of the farmers are aware of improved cassava stems, followed by fertilizer application (57.78%) and yam minisett (50.00%). About 92.00% of farmers were identified of personal communication as a source of information for these innovations. The farmers ranked the extension workers on the top for improved cassava stems, and yam minisett innovations. About 57.78% of the farmers adopted improved cassava stems 44.44% adopted yam minisetts while 33.33% adopted the use of fertilizer. The study indicated that inadequate finance confirmed by 57.78% of the respondents was the main problem militating against adoption of selected technologies (yam minsetts, improved cassava stems and fertilizers). It is therefore recommended that loans by microfinance and commercial banks for the purchase of appropriate number of yam minisetts, improved cassava stems and fertilizers and purchase of inputs should be made available on easy terms.