EXTENT TO WHICH IMPROVED CASSAVA VARIETIES INCREASES QUANTITY OF CASSAVA PRODUCTION IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

Cassava farmers in Benue State are faced with challenges in cassava production such as low yield, cassava diseases, pest infestation and drought thus affecting their finance and investment opportunities. The paper examined the extent to which improved cassava varieties increases cassava production in Benue State, Nigeria. Diffusion of innovation theory was used as theoretical guide. The study used copies of questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) as instruments of data collection. Data was collected among 381 respondents using multistage sampling techniques. The study found that improve cassava varieties increased the quantity of cassava production in the study area at high extent level, hence many cassava farmers increase their quantity of production from 11 to 20 tons, this translated in improving the living condition of the farmers especially the rural dwellers. Test of hypothesis revealed that; all the cross-tabulated variables showed the result of P – value = 0.00 < 0.05. Based on the above result, the study accepts Hi and rejects Ho. It then means that ICV increases cassava production at high extent level in Benue state. The study concluded that the adoption of ICV should be encourage hence it improve cassava production in the study area. The study recommends that; efforts should be made by agencies, and NGOs to educate farmers on improved cassava varieties. There should be also provision of extension service to help widen adoption process in the state, there should be also modification in some of the improve cassava varieties to improve on their quality.