Adoption of improved technologies amongst plantain farmers in Bayelsa State

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Despite the economic significance of plantain and the availability of yield-enhancing technologies, productivity remains low due to limited adoption of technologies. This study examined the factors affecting plantain farmers' use of improved technologies in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study specifically described farmers' socio-economic characteristics, identified technologies available and used, examined the level of adoption, analyzed factors influencing the use of technologies, and identified constraints. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 100 plantain farmers, from whom primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model. The results revealed a predominantly female (70%), middle-aged (mean=45 years), and reasonably educated farming population (mean =14 years), operating small-scale farms (mean=2.1 ha) with limited access to credit (27%) and extension services (25%). While awareness of technologies (92%) was high, adoption was highest for low-cost practices (mulching: 81%) and lowest for capital-intensive ones (tissue culture: 12%). The regression analysis identified education, farm size, access to credit, and extension services as significant positive drivers of adoption, while older age, high perceived cost, and complexity were significant negative barriers. The major constraints were high input cost (85%), inadequate extension support (75%), and lack of credit access (73%). The study concludes that technology adoption in Bayelsa State is influenced by a complex mix of socioeconomic, institutional, and perceptual factors. It is recommended that policy interventions focus on providing input subsidies, improving access to credit, and revitalizing agricultural extension services. Extension agencies should promote farmer-centric low-cost technologies and leverage farmer cooperatives for effective dissemination. Addressing these barriers is crucial for enhancing technology adoption, improving plantain productivity, and ensuring sustainable agricultural development in the region.