Adoption of Improved Herbicides Spraying Technology among Farmers in Ayamelum L.G.A of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analysed the position of the farmers in Ayamelum L.G.A. of Anambra State in the adoption of improved herbicide spraying technique. A total of one hundred (100) herbicide sprayers were selected using multi-stage random sampling technique for the detailed study. Data for the study were generated through the use of structured questionnaire and oral interview during the 2010-2011 cropping season. Descriptive statistics such as percentage was used to determine the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers and constraints to their adoption of herbicide spraying technique. Logit analytical model was used to determine the levels of farmers’ adoption of the technology. The major findings of the study indicated that farmers had positive attitude towards adoption. The result further revealed that income, educational level, membership of cooperative societies/organization and extension contact were the major determinants of adoption. The major constraints to herbicide technology transfer were; poor extension contact, inadequate fund and low literary level of the respondents. Considering the impact of the aforementioned variables on the adoption process, the need to increase farmers’ access to; agricultural credit scheme, extension contact and education should be intensified.