ADOPTION OF CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AMONG CASSAVA FARMERS IN IDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE

  • O. D. Taiwo Department of Agribusiness Management, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, P.M.B. 5029, Ibadan, Oyo State
  • A.K. Adigun Department of Agribusiness Management, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, P.M.B. 5029, Ibadan, Oyo State
  • A.A. Adesanlu Department of Agribusiness Management, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, P.M.B. 5029, Ibadan, Oyo State
  • D.N. Ishie Department of Agribusiness Management, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, P.M.B. 5029, Ibadan, Oyo State
  • A.O. Adewole Department of Agribusiness Management, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, P.M.B. 5029, Ibadan, Oyo State
Keywords: Climate Smart Agricultural Practices, Cassava Farmers, Ordered Probit Regression, Adoption

Abstract

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Nigeria's economy, contributing over one-third of the nation's GDP and labor force. Among various crops, cassava is of particular importance as Nigeria is the largest producer globally. However, climate change poses significant threats to agricultural productivity due to erratic weather patterns, droughts, and declining rainfall. This study explores the adoption of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices by cassava farmers in Ido Local Government Area, Oyo State, to enhance resilience, productivity, and sustainability. The study's population comprised cassava farmers in Ido, using a two-stage sampling method selecting five out of ten political wards, then randomly choosing ten villages from these wards, with twelve registered cassava farmers from each village, totaling 120 farmers with 109 fully completed questionnaires returned. The objectives include analyzing the socio-economic characteristics of cassava farmers, assessing their awareness of CSA practices, and identifying factors influencing their adoption. The study found that farmers had a mean age of 49 years and 26 years of farming experience, with 63.3% being male. While most farmers were aware of CSA practices, including adjusting planting dates (97.2%), improved cassava varieties (100%), and application of green manure (99.1%), the adoption rate varied. The majority of farmers (60.6%) were classified as high adopters of CSA practices, followed by moderate (30.3%) and low (9.2%) adopters. Key factors influencing adoption included income, membership in farmers' associations, credit access, and farming experience. Increased income and access to credit positively influenced CSA adoption in low and moderate categories, but negatively impacted farmers in the high category. The study emphasizes the need for improved access to education, credit facilities, and agricultural extension services to support sustainable agricultural practices.

Published
2024-09-09
Issue
Vol 19 No 2 (2024): Vol 19 Issue 2
Section
Articles