AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION ADOPTION AMONG COOPERATIVE AND NON-COOPERATIVE FARMERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

SOURCE:

Faculty: Management Sciences
Department: Co-opreative Economics And Management

CONTRIBUTORS:

Michael, M. C.
Umebali, E. E.

ABSTRACT:

This study evaluated the level of adoption of agricultural innovation and agricultural production among cooperative and non-cooperative farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. The work was motivated by the need to assess the level of adoption among cooperative farmers, as well as comparing the extent of adoption of agricultural innovations among cooperative and non-cooperative farmers. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the level of adoption among cooperative farmers: compare adoption level of agricultural innovation among cooperative and non-cooperative farmers, examine level of the use of different agricultural innovations among cooperative and non-cooperative farmers, determine the perception of cooperative and non- cooperative farmers on the effect of agricultural production, and ascertain the influence of socio-economic characteristics of farmers on the adoption behaviour. The research design used in this study is descriptive survey research design. The area of study was Imo State, and data were gotten from the three zones, namely, Orlu, Owerri and Okigwe. Data were generated from a total population of 1184 registered cooperatives and non-cooperative farmers. Using Taro Yamane formula, a total of 464 respondents were selected from both cooperative and non-cooperative farmers. Questionnaire was the instrument of data collection. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), T-Test and Regression were employed to address the research questions and to test the promulgated hypothesis. The findings revealed that farmers have adopted the following agricultural innovation extensively: processing technique, fertilizer application, use of agro-chemical, use of improved planting method, use of improved seeds and breeds, farm management practices. These innovations were extensively used in the area studied. Adoption of agricultural innovation had significant and positive effect on agricultural production. Cooperative members exhibit higher awareness, higher interest, higher evaluation, higher trial and higher adoption levels than non-cooperative farmers. The significant determinants of adoption include educational level, annual income, farm experience, frequency of contact, cooperative membership; others are price of the produce, type of media used, government policy, availability of success stories, and frequency of training. The rest are attitude to novel ideas, household size, extent of livelihood diversification, availability of markets and parents occupation. The effect of adoption on agricultural production (measured by output) is positive and significant suggesting that increase in use of agricultural innovation has actually increased production. R2 of 0.77 revealed that over 77% of changes in output were accounted for by the variables in the model. An F-ratio of 20.114 was significant at 5% level showing that the model was strong. The work recommends the following based on findings: that Cooperative extension services to be revolutionalized and given adequate attention. Furthermore, Management of agricultural cooperatives should be strengthened and made responsive to changes since many agricultural cooperatives by their structure and management, are not flexible and as a result do not adopt innovations quickly.