Analysis of sources of information for Improved Cassava Production Technology (ICPTS) in Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed sources of information for improved cassava production technology in Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from a random sample of 110 respondents in the study area by means of structured and semistructured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The ranking of sources of information regarding innovation in cassava production in BiaseLocal Government Area, Cross River State saw radio (41.81%) as major source of information for new technologies in cassava production. The television (30%), extension agent (12.73%), friends/ neighbours (8.18%) and information communication technologies (ICTs)(7.27%) were ranked second, third, fourth and fifth respectively. The study also revealed that cassava farmers are faced with several problems in their production activities. These constraints affect the efficiency of cassava production in the study area. Notable among them are the constraint of lack of visit by extension agents, non-adoption of new technologies in cassava production, high cost of fertilizers, high cost of labour, delay in loan approval, low fertility of land, wrong application of fertilizers andinadequate land ranked 94.17%, 90.29% , 90.29%, 87.38%,86.41%, 70.87%, 61.17%, and 38.83% respectively. The constraints associated with sources of information for improved cassava production technology in Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State as highlighted in this paper if tackled could pave a way to increase cassava production and farm income of stakeholders. Hence, for efficient production of cassava inthe study area, these constraints must be reduced to the barest minimum. This can be done through posting of more extension agents to rural areas were cassava farms were established and more ICTs centers should created in rural areas and cassava farmers should be trained by extension agents on use of ICTs to get information on new technologies in cassava production.