English

Abstract

Between 2008 and 2009, constraints in cowpea cultivation and adoption of inorganic insecticides in insect pest management were investigated among cowpea producers in Mubi zone of Adamawa State. Structured questionnaires were used to source for information from 611 respondents, who were randomly selected. The Chi-square test, Likert scale test and logistic regression method were used to analyze the data set. Preference was high for using inorganic insecticides, spraying time and regime and seed treatment. Production constrains in the study area were insect pests attack and diseases and high cost of inorganic insecticides. The use of insecticides (100%) and practice of spraying regime (99%) were high. High adoption rate as found for use of inorganic insecticides and spraying regime were traceable to awareness that non use of insecticides at the appropriate time will account for low seed yield and crop failure. Adoption of inorganic insecticides was related to age (β = 0.09, P<0.01), educational attainment (β = 0.98, P<0.05), membership of socio-cultural organization (β = 1.27, P<0.01), land preparation methods (β = -1.40, P<0.001) and consideration for the dealers during purchase of inorganic insecticides (β = 0.92, P<0.001). Similarly, adoption was high for practice of spraying regime for inorganic insecticides. Misuse of inorganic insecticides was prevalent among farmers in Mubi zone. The study recommends introduction and promotion of resistant varieties biopesticides and other environmentally safe and less injurious insect pests’ management techniques. Key words: Nigeria, Mubi zone, adoption, extension service, inorganic insecticides, insect pests’ management, cowpea farmers’.