Ehien A.E., Apantaku S. O, Makinta U and Olaniran O. M

Keywords: Discontinuance, Cassava, late-Adoption, Manihot Species, Discontinuance, TMS 30572, Cassava farmers

Abstract

This study however assessed the factors determining the late adoption and discontinuance of Cassava species (Manihot, TMS 30572) in Iwo (ADP) zone of Osun State Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study among others were to; to describe the socio-economic characteristics of TMS 30572 cassava farmers in the study area. Primary data were obtained by the use of structured questionnaire that was administered to 120 cassava farmers who were selected through multi stage random sampling. The analytical tools used in this study were; descriptive (Means, Standard deviation, frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (correlation). Findings from the study revealed that majority (92%) of the respondents were males, had primary education with Farming as the primary occupation of majority (75%) of the farmers. The results also revealed that majority (97%) are married and acquired their land through inheritance. Result from age of the farmers showed that most of them fall within the age range of 35-50 years with a house hold size of 6-10 persons. Result from relationship between some selected socioeconomic variables and late adoption showed that sex, age and primary occupation have a positive relationship. Also, result from relationship between some selected socioeconomic variables and discontinuance revealed that educational level, primary occupation and farming experience have positive relationship. Result from factors that influence late adoption and discontinuance showed that problem of pest and diseases and behavior of extension agents ranked highest respectively. Results from correlation result indicated that sex has the highest r² value and positively related to the selected socio economic variables influencing late adoption while farming experience has the highest r² influencing discontinuance. It was concluded that that there is no significant relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of late adopter of cassava TMS 30572 and similarly that there is no significant relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of discontinuance of cassava TMS 30572. The study however recommended that extension agent must enlighten the farmers on the profitability of the cassava TMS 30572.