Influence of Literacy on the Adoption of National Centre of Agricultural Mechanization’s (NCAM) Innovations by Cassava Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2019
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Department of Adult Education, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Abstract
The study investigates the effect of literacy on certain innovation by NCAM among cassava farmers in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. This was done in a bid to strengthen the use of agricultural innovation in cassava farming so as to increase productivity. The study selected four villages that benefitted from NCAM innovation. Eighty respondents were randomly selected across the four villages while a questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. It was found that male farmers constituted 88.8% while women were only 11.2%. Cassava farming is dominated by the elderly as 37% of the sample are above 50years. Only 13.8% of the farming population were young while more than 80% of them are married. Household pattern constituted 52% extended family types and 49% nuclear. Furthermore, it was found that the sample diversified largely into artisans (93%) while only about 6% were civil servants. Interestingly, equal proportion (37%) attained primary and no formal education at all. Only a few (15%) attained secondary education. Normal tractor, four wheeled mini tractor and cassava peeler are among the types of innovation adopted by the farmers whilst the motorized cassava chipper and cassava frying machine are not accepted at all. More than 80% believe that the innovation has helped to increase the quality of their produce as well as reduced their labour input. High level of illiteracy was found to be a limiting factor to the adoption of innovations. Farmers could better adopt the innovation if they are aware of the usage and full benefits of the machines. Therefore, extension workers can engage farmers in awareness and sensitization workshops on the importance and usage of the NCAM innovations.
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Keywords
Literacy, extension education, technology, innovators, growth
Citation
Aderinoye-Abdulwahab, S. A., & Salawu, M. O. (2019). Influence of Literacy on the Adoption of National Centre of Agricultural Mechanization’s (NCAM) Innovations by Cassava Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. International Journal of Continuing and Non-Formal Education. 10 (1): 370- 384