** Tasie, C. M., & Nale, V. L,
Department of Agricultural Science
(Agricultural Economics and Extension Unit),
Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education,
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education,
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
** Corresponding Author: tasiechimezie@gmail.com
Abstract
This study examined farmers’ perception and adoption of yam minisett technology. The study was carried out in Agricultural Zone One of Rivers State, Nigeria. A sample size of 120 yam farmers was used for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data generated for the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentage and mean scores while the Sigma method was used for calculating adoption scores to ascertain the level of adoption for the various yam minisett technology items. Results of the study revealed that there were more male yam farmers (87.5 percent) than females. The mean age of respondents was 43 years and the mean household size was 7 persons. Also, a mean farming experience of 15 years was found for the respondents. Results on perception of yam minisett technology reveal that respondents had favourable perception on four statements out of the thirteen statements used to investigate their perception. These were statements 5,6,11 and 12. The remaining 9 statements were not favourably perceived. They include statements 1-4; 7-10 and 13. There was a low adoption of 7 and an average adoption of 2 yam minisett technology items with an overall adoption score of 3.38, which indicates a low utilization of yam minisett technology by the yam farmers. The study recommends that more awareness should be created about the benefits of the technology and farmers should be trained on how to effectively use the technology.
Keywords: Adoption, Yam minisetts, Technique, Analysis, Dioscorea rotundata