Assessment of the extent of Participation and Awareness of Improved Technologies of Irish Potatoes by Women Farmers in Mambila Pleateau

Abstract

Irish potato is an important root and tuber crop in Mambila plateau. Women are largely involved in the production of Irish Potato in Mambila Plateau. The study was embarked upon to assess the extent of participation of women in Irish potato production in the Local Government area. A total of eighty-five respondents were selected from nine wards in the Local Government area, while a structured interview schedule was used to gather information from them. The data collected was analysed using frequency counts and percentages, as well as Likert-type scale. The study shows that the Women producing Irish potatoes in the study were predominately young and married, with moderate family sizes. Most of them were literate and were mainly small scale farmers. They relied mainly on inheritance for farm land. They derived most of their planting materials from the previous crops harvested. The major improved technologies on Irish potatoes they were aware of the Planting time and techniques and Bio-fortified potato. However a lot of them were not aware of the High yielding disease resistant varieties, Insect pests' management, and symptoms of diseases as well methods of storage and preservations of Irish potato. They participated to a great extent in the processing, weeding, harvesting and gathering of Irish potato. However they had low participation in land preparation and the control of pests and diseases. The study recommends the improvement of information dissemination on high yielding varieties and the techniques for insect and pest managements on Irish potato to the women farmers.