Evaluation of contributions of technology changes to commercialization among small holder crop Farmers in South East Nigeria.

Abstract

The study evaluated the contributions of technology changes to commercialization among small holder crop farmers in South East Nigeria. This was carried out using 408 registered farmers. Multistage, purposive, proportionate and random sampling method were used in the selection of Agricultural zones, Local Government Areas and communities for the study. Data were collected on technologies available and products generated. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages and net return analysis. The results indicate that the major technologies are improved variety (88%), inorganic fertilizer(65%), rice mill(59%) and gari processing machines (81%).The major products are milled rice, gari and shelled maize. The crops subjected to value addition by processing gave more revenue to the farmer, hence 53% of cassava processed gave additional revenue of ₦138,168.62 to the farmer. There is need to ensure optimum utilization of agricultural produce through effective downstream sector so as to address local and international demand.