Farmers\' Perceived Agricultural Input Factors Influencing Adoption And Production Of Food Crops In Akure Area Of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated agricultural input factors influencing adoption and production of food crops in Ondo State, Nigeria. Data from 120 randomly selected farmers were used for the study. Findings show that the major inputs used by the respondents are improved seeds (89.2%), fertilizer (66.7%) and agrochemicals (59.1%) with private agencies as the major source (55.0%). Use of improved varieties influenced food crops production while tractor, fungicides and herbicides had low influence on food crops production. Major input factors responsible for non-utilization of food crop technologies are unavailability, inaccessibility, high cost and knowledge of the inputs. Adoption was significantly correlated with cost and unavailability of inputs in all the crops, knowledge of input in cowpea (r = 0.3165) and with labour in root crops (r = 0.3346). There is a need for government to reorganize input distribution system, review policy on fertilizer subsidy and use of cooperative societies by farmers should be encouraged. Keywords: Farmers, Agricultural Input Factors, Adoption, Food Crops ProductionGlobal Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 2 (1) 2006: pp. 1-8