Adoption of improved production methods by underutilized indigenous vegetable farmers

Abstract

ABSTRACT Adoption of improved technology is necessary in developing countries to ensure adequate vegetable production and increased farm income. The study examined factors influencing adoption of improved production methods by growers of underutilized indigenous vegetables. Data obtained from the Synergizing Fertilizer Micro-dosing and Indigenous Vegetable Production project to Enhance Food and Economic Security in West Africa data bank (MICROVEG), collected from 552 respondents, were used. The Poisson Regression Model was employed to estimate the probability of adoption of improved technology practices. Awareness and knowledge of innovation, membership in farmer organizations, education level, income, and land ownership were factors positively influencing farmer decisions to adopt the improved methods. For adoption to occur, appropriate dissemination of information needs to be employed.