Endogenous Determinants of Adoption of Improved Rubber Production Technologies among Farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the determinants of adoption of rubber production technologies by farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study were to; describe the socioeconomic characteristics of rubber farmers and to identify factors affecting adoption of improved rubber production technologies by farmers in Akwa Ibom State. The study investigated reasons why farmers hesitates adoption of improved rubber production technologies and some endogenous problems such as age, income, farming experience, lack of appropriate technologies and illiteracy amongst others associated with adoption of improved rubber production technologies in the study area. A simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 192 farmers in the study area. Primary data generated from the survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, averages and ordinary least square multiple regression analysis. The result showed that mean age of rubber farmers were 50 years. Respondents were shown to be fairly educated at various levels. The average rubber farmer had 20 years experience. Also, about 15 different improved technologies were identified by farmers from the regression result, R2 value was 0.717 with five variables being the major endogenous determinants of adoption of improved rubber production technologies. These include age, household size, farming experience, contact with extension agents and labor input. They were also statistically significant at various levels of probability. This calls for concerted effort by both researchers and government to ensure adequate and timely adoption of technologies that suit the needs and interests of farmers. Government should support the enterprise with financial grants to make grassroots agriculture attractive to farmers, hence creating employment and enhancing the general livelihood of the rural poor.