PATRICK CHUKS AJIEH
Abstract
Yam minisett technology provides seed yams rapidly. It is designed to alleviate the problem of seed yams scarcity, which has been identified as a major constraint
to increased yam production. This study examined the adoption of the technology by farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. A random sampling technique was employed in the
selection of respondents. A sample size of 240 yam farmers participated in the study. Data were collected through the use of structured interview schedule.
Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing data generated by the study. Results of the study repeal that respondents had moderate
awareness of yam minisett technology with an overall awareness percentage of 46%. The study also found an overall mean adoption score of 2.24, which indicates
a general low adoption of the technology by the farmers. Application of minisett dust with adoption score of 2.05 was the least adopted yam minisett technology
item, while cutting into minisett was the most adopted with adoption score of 2.79. The study found a significant relationship between some farmers'
socioeconomic characteristics and adoption of yam minisett technology. Recommendations of the study include that more awareness on the technology should be
created among the farmers by the relevant agency through the use of extensions campaigns, demonstrations and small plot adoption trials (SPAT). Also, farm
credit should be granted to yam farmers through the State Government's Micro Credit Scheme (SGMCS) to enhance their adoption of the technology.
Key words:
Awareness; farmers; structured interview; yam minisett technology, Discorea spp., Delta State, Nigeria