Abstract
The study assessed rubber production technologies and the related socio-economic environments in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study seeks to reawaken the interests of rubber farmers in improved rubber production technologies in the study area. The specific objectives of the study were to; identify the socioeconomic characteristics of rubber farmers in the study area, identify improved rubber production technologies disseminated to farmers and to assess some socio-economic variables associated with adoption of improved rubber production technologies in the study area. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used in selecting 96 rubber farmers for the study. Primary data generated for the study were analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies and Multiple Regression Analysis. The result showed that Extension Officers disseminated about 13 improved rubber production technologies to farmers in the area. From the OLS regression estimates, R2 value was 0.559 with three selected socio-economic variables being the major factors affecting adoption of improved rubber production technologies. These include; Age, Education and Contact with Extension Agents. These were significant at l% level of probability. This calls for the re-introduction of non-formal education among farmers in the rural areas to improve their level of education and adoption of improved technologies. Government should increase the extension-farmer ratio from the present 1:1000 to 10:1000.Keywords: Rubber production, technologies, socio-economic environments, variables and Akwa Ibom State
Highlights
In many areas where agriculture is practiced, simple traditional tools are still used for production especially in rural areas. Ojo (2006), described technology as the making, modification, usage and knowledge of tools, machines techniques, craft, system, methods organization in order to solve a problem, improve pre-existing solutions, achieve a goal or perform a specific function
The findings revealed that most of the farmers were in their middle and productive age and as such a bright prospect for the rubber production industry (Effiong et al, 2015)
This study indicated that improved rubber production technologies such as the planting of Research Institute of Nigeria (RRIN) 500 Malaysian species, RRIN 600, RRIN 801, RRTN 625, fertilizers, urea, SP36 and KCI, tapping type, use of polybags for nursery operations and the ploughing or harrowing of land before cultivation were disseminated to rubber farmers by extension officers in the study area
Summary
In many areas where agriculture is practiced, simple traditional tools are still used for production especially in rural areas. Ojo (2006), described technology as the making, modification, usage and knowledge of tools, machines techniques, craft, system, methods organization in order to solve a problem, improve pre-existing solutions, achieve a goal or perform a specific function. Spore (2007) in a broad sense conceived technology as the translation of scientific laws into machines, tools, mechanic devices, instruments, innovation, procedures and techniques to accomplish tangible ends, attain specific needs or manipulate the environment for practical purpose in agriculture. This represents new models of organizing production as well as the development of techniques for regulating and controlling behaviours, delivery services and improving advancement in agriculture. Instrumental in upgrading farmers' welfare, increasing the efficiency of small, medium and large scale farmers (Effiong and Asikong, 2013)
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