Assessment of the Utilization of Agro Inputs for Cassava Production in Nsukka Agricultural Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the level of farmers‟ utilization of agro-inputs for cassava production in Nsukka agricultural zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of 135 cassava farmers were selected through a multi stage sampling procedure. A structured interview schedule was used to collect the data and was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis. The results of the study show that the average age of the respondents was 42.0 years, with 55.5% of them being males. A majority of the respondents were married (67.40%). The mean household size of the respondents was six persons. The farmers sourced for their inputs primarily from the open market especially for improved cassava varieties (20.0%), agrochemicals for stem cutting treatment (31.1%), herbicides (52.6%) and limes for acid soil (43.9%). The level of utilization of the improved agro-inputs for cassava production was moderate for cassava varieties (x =3.01), inorganic fertilizer (x =3.25), and high for herbicides (x =3.36),‟. The results of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis of socioeconomic factors affecting farmer‟s use of improved agro-inputs for cassava production revealed that. socio-economic variables such as farm size, membership of the social organization, level of education, farming experiences and access to credits significantly affected farmer‟s level of use of agro-input for cassava production in the study. From the preceding, it is thus the recommended that Agricultural extension agencies should further promote the improved agro-inputs so as to encourage their use among farmers in order to achieve increased cassava production in the area while on the other hand extension agents should be supported with the vital logistics to improve their contact with the farmers for delivery of requisite technical advice.