Agro-ecological Zone Of Ghana Research Articles

Assessing homogeneous and heterogeneous economic impacts of fall armyworm management practices on farm performance in Ghana

One of the emerging challenges impinging on sustainable food production in sub-Saharan Africa is the invasion of the fall armyworm (FAW) pest. Data collected from farm households in different agro-ecological zones in Ghana and a Multivalued Treatment Effect (MVTE) model were used to argue that FAW management practices are key to stemming the debilitating effects of FAW infestations on farm performance. Previous studies have analysed homogeneous treatment effects to explain FAW management practices. The present study employs heterogeneous treatment effects to account for the differential effects of FAW management practices such as early planting, application of prescribed pesticides, and a combination of both practices while accounting for socioeconomic characteristics. Findings from the study reveal that distance to extension services exerts negative effects on adoption of early planting only, and adoption of both FAW management practices. Moreover, past FAW infestations tend to exert a positive effect on adoption of pesticide application only and adoption of a combination of the FAW management practices. Adopting the FAW management practices examined in this study assisted the maize producers in raising their farm performance. Socioeconomic characteristics also tend to influence the homogeneous treatment effects of adoption of the FAW management practices on farm performance. This finding indicates that heterogeneity within farm households is crucial for policy regarding adoption of FAW management practices.

A comparative study of population structure and genetic diversity of commercial and indigenous chickens from different agro-ecological zones in Ghana using SilicoDArT and SNP markers

Chicken production, both in the local and commercial sectors, contributes significantly to human livelihood and food security. Precise use of diverse genetic resources is primary in breeding programs. The study analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of commercial chickens and indigenous chicken ecotypes from three different agro-ecological zones (Semi-Deciduous Rainforest Zone, Guinea Savannah, and Coastal Savannah) using SilicoDArT and SNP markers, utilizing whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic data. Phenotypic data were collected from 72 indigenous chicken ecotypes across the three AEZs, and 32 commercial birds kept at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). DNA samples used for sequencing were obtained from 88 chickens (62 indigenous chicken ecotypes and 26 commercial chickens). A total of 54,995 SilicoDArT and 85,396 SNPs markers were generated from DArTseq genotyping. After filtering, 44,784 SilicoDArT and 58,353 SNP were used for genetic diversity and population structure analysis. Both markers showed high reproducibility and call rate. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.00 to 0.50, while ≥ 50 % showed PIC values more than the median. Furthermore, we obtained FST values, Nei’s genetic distance, dendrogram analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) of commercial and indigenous chickens. The FST and Nei’s genetic distance showed that there is high genetic diversity between the commercial chickens and the indigenous chicken ecotypes. However, there was low genetic diversity among the indigenous chicken ecotypes. The PCA analysis indicated a clear separation between the commercial and indigenous chicken ecotypes, while no clear separation was observed between the indigenous chicken ecotypes. The phenotypic data and the dendrogram indicated that naked and frizzle genes do not markedly alter the genetics of indigenous and commercial birds, and their influence on economic traits may be solely determined by the prevailing environmental conditions. The results indicate that there is high genetic differentiation between commercial and indigenous chickens based on SilicoDArT and SNP markers. The indigenous chickens from the agro-ecological zones have low genetic diversity and might have a common origin. Naked neck and frizzle genes do not markedly alter the genetic performance of birds in terms of economic traits. Therefore, the superiority of birds carrying these genes in economic traits may be solely due to environmental variation.

Genetic architecture of body weight, carcass, and internal organs traits of Ghanaian local chickens.

Information on the genetic architecture of the production traits of indigenous African chicken is limited. We performed a genome-wide association study using imputed Affymetrix Axiom® 600K SNP-chip genotypes on 1,113 chickens from three agroecological zones of Ghana. After quality control, a total of 382,240 SNPs remained. Variance components and heritabilities for some growth, carcass and internal organ traits were estimated. The genetic and phenotypic correlations among these traits were also estimated. The estimated heritabilities of body weight at week 22 (BW22), average daily gain (ADG), dressed weight, breast weight, thigh weight, wing weight, drumstick weight, and neck weight were high and ranged from 0.50 to 0.69. Estimates of heritabilities for head weight, shank weight, and gizzard weight were moderate (0.31-0.35) while those of liver weight, back weight, dressing percentage, and heart weight were low (0.13-0.21). The estimated heritabilities of dressed weight, breast weight, wing weight, drumstick weight, neck weight, shank weight, and gizzard weight, corrected for BW22, were moderate (0.29-0.38), while the remaining traits had low heritability estimates (0.13-0.21). A total of 58 1-Mb SNP windows on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 18, and 33 each explained more than 1% of the genetic variance for at least one of these traits. These genomic regions contained many genes previously reported to have effects on growth, carcass, and internal organ traits of chickens, including EMX2, CALCUL1, ACVR1B, CACNB1, RB1, MLNR, FOXO1, NCARPG, LCORL, LAP3, LDB2, KPNA3, and CAB39L. The moderate to high heritability estimates and high positive genetic correlations suggest that BW22, ADG, dressed weight, breast weight, thigh weight, wing weight, drumstick weight, and neck weight could be improved through selective breeding.

Response of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to preemergence application of Oxadiargyl and pendimethalin

Two field experiments were conducted in two agro-ecological zones of Ghana (Forest and Coastal Savannah) to assess the efficacy of preemergence herbicides Oxadiargyl and Pendimethalin on weed incidence, growth and yield of pepper. The experiment was factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design. The treatments were Oxadiargyl at 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 L/ha, Pendimethalin at 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 L/ha and hand weeding at intervals of 3, 6 and 9 weeks as control. Data was collected on weed type and abundance, number of days to weed emergence, type of re-emerging weeds and percentage weed cover. Data on plant height, number of branches per plant, yield and yield components of pepper plants were also collected. Results indicated that application of Pendimethalin led to a significantly (p < 0.05) longer number of days to weed emergence as compared to the application of Oxadiargyl which also delayed weed emergence significantly longer than hand weeding. Plant height was not affected by weed control method. The yield of pepper plants was significantly higher in plots where Pendimethalin (2.0 L/ha) was applied. Generally, the yield components of pepper plants have been positively affected by weed control treatments. However, application of Pendimethalin at 2.0 L/ha resulted in better weed control.

Evaluation and phenotypic plasticity of taro [Colocasia esculenta (l.) Schott.] genotypes for nutrient and anti-nutrient composition.

The study was carried out to determine the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of taro genotypes and also determine the phenotypic plasticity of the genotypes in two agro ecological zones in Ghana. The towns and zones were Bunso in the semi deciduous forest (an upland) and Tano Dumasi in the forest savannah transition agro-ecological (a waterlogged area) zone in the Eastern and Ashanti regions respectively.Two (2) freshly harvested corms of each genotype from each location were assessed for their nutritional (moisture, protein, carbohydrate, ash and fat) and anti-nutritional (phytate, oxalate and tannin) composition Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and AMMI analysis using GenStat 12 edition to assess the effect of genotype, environment and their interaction on the traits studied. Phenotypic plasticity for the genotypes and the traits studied was also calculated. Pearson correlation was also conducted to assess the relationship between the traits studied. There were significant differences among the genotypes for nutrient and anti-nutrient composition except for percentage fat, indicating enough genetic variability among the genotypes, giving room for good selection progress for development of taro varieties. A higher magnitude of the environment over genotype and genotype by environment interaction observed indicates the influence of environment in the expression of the nutritional and anti-nutritional traits. Observed varied phenotypic plasticity among the genotypes for the nutrient and anti-nutrients composition also indicates varied adaptation of the genotypes to the environment. Genotypes BL/SM/115, CE/MAL/32 and CE/IND/16 and hybrids KAO19 × CE/MAL/32 and CE/IND/16×KAO19, CE/IND/16 × BL/SM/10, and CE/IND/16 × BL/SM/115 which recorded high nutrients and low anti-nutrients content and were stable across the environments can be released to farmers for cultivation. They could also be included in breeding programs for the development of enhanced nutritional quality of taro in Ghana.

Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Adequacy of Children by Agro-ecological Zones of Ghana

Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Adequacy of Children by Agro-ecological Zones of Ghana

Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Adequacy of Children by Agro-ecological Zones of Ghana

Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Adequacy of Children by Agro-ecological Zones of Ghana

Adaptability and yield performance of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) cultivars in three agro-ecological zones in Ghana

Adaptability and yield performance of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) cultivars in three agro-ecological zones in Ghana

Effects of urea-treated rumen digesta pellet concentrate on digestibility, growth performance and blood profile of Djallonké sheep

Rumen digesta is a waste product from the abattoir and slaughterhouse. In most developing countries, it discarded in a manner that causes pollution in the environment. It contains partially fermented feedstuff with a CP ranging from 9 to 20%. Addition of urea and pelleting of feed has been proven to further enhance the nutrient quality and digestibility of the feed. The study sought to evaluate the effects of dried rumen digesta pellets (DRDP) concentrate on intake, apparent digestibility, growth performance and blood profile of Djallonké sheep in the savanna agro ecological zone of Ghana. Four levels of DRD (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%) were incorporated into a concentrate diet and fed to sixteen (16) Djallonké rams with mean initial weight of 9.± 0.37 kg. The four concentrates were pelleted and fed with rice straw as the basal diet and replicated four times in a completely randomized design (CRD) for 84-d. The CP content of the concentrate was in the range of 101.0 to 131.4 g/kg DM. The NDF and ADF were in the range of 447.6 to 543.9 and 235.0 to 198.7 respectively. Dry mater intake did not differ amongst the rams. However, crude protein intake was significantly higher in rams fed 15% DRD. Whereas DM digestibility coefficient did not differ, a significant difference was recorded in the CP digestibility coefficient of rams with the highest obtained in rams fed 10 and 15% DRD. Final live weight gain was significantly different with rams fed 15% DRD recording twice the gain in rams fed the control diet. The trend was similar for the average daily weight gain with rams on 15% DRD recording a significantly higher gain compared to the control (48.93 vs 28.89 g/day/head). Haematological parameters of rams after the feeding trial were not significantly affected (p<0.05) by the dietary treatments. The serological parameters measured for all the rams fed the DRD concentrate did not differ (p>0.05) among the dietary treatments except albumin and Blood Urea Nitrogen concentration which were significantly influenced (p<0.005) by dietary treatment. Feeding young rams with DRDP improved the final live weight gain and average daily weight gain of Djallonké rams in the Savanna agro ecological zones and could therefore be used as a supplement for small ruminants.

Compendium of medically important snakes, venom activity and clinical presentations in Ghana.

Snake bite envenoming (SBE) is one neglected tropical disease that has not received the needed attention. The sequelae of burdensome disability and mortality impact the socioeconomic life of communities adversely with little documentation of SBE in health facility records in Ghana. This study details SBE and snake distribution, habits/habitats, type of venom expressed and clinical manifestations. We conducted a structured thematic desk review of peer reviewed papers, books and reports from repositories including PubMed, World Health Organization (WHO) and Women's & Children's Hospital (WCH) Clinical Toxinology Resources using bibliographic software EndNote and search engine Google Scholar with the following key words; snakes, medical importance, snake bites, venom and venom type, envenomation, symptoms and signs, vaccines, venom expenditure, strike behaviour and venom-metering + Ghana, West Africa, Africa, World. We also reviewed data from the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS) of the Ghana Health Service (GHS). Outcome variables were organized as follows: common name (s), species, habitat/habit, species-specific toxin, clinical manifestation, antivenom availability, WHO category. Snake bites and SBE were grouped by the activity of the expressed venom into neurotoxic, cardiotoxic, haemorrhagic, cytotoxic, myotoxic, nephrotoxic and procoagulants. Neurotoxic snake bites were largely due to elapids. Expressed venoms with cardiotoxic, haemorrhagic, nephrotoxic and procoagulant activities principally belonged to the family Viperidae. Snakes with venoms showing myotoxic activity were largely alien to Ghana and the West African sub-region. Venoms showing cytotoxic activity are expressed by a wide range of snakes though more prevalent among the Viperidae family. Snakes with neurotoxic and haemorrhagic venom activities are prevalent across all the agro-ecological zones in Ghana. Understanding the characteristics of snakes and their venoms is useful in the management of SBE. The distribution of snakes by their expressed venoms across the agro-ecological zones is also instructive to species identification and diagnosis of SBE.

Morphometric characterization and diversity of indigenous ducks in agro-ecological zones of Ghana

Morphometric characterization and diversity of indigenous ducks in agro-ecological zones of Ghana

Genotype by Phytophthora colocasiae isolate interaction in breeding for resistance to taro [Colocasia esculenta var esculenta (L.) Schott] leaf blight disease in Ghana

Two experiments were undertaken to evaluate the resistance of 5 parents and 20 hybrids of dasheen taro (n = 25) developed through the diallel method to Phytophthora leaf blight disease which is also known as taro leaf blight disease (TLBD). The field experiment which was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with 3 replications assessed the disease incidence (%) and disease severity index (DSI%) among the genotypes planted in three (3) agro-ecological zones in Ghana. In the laboratory the parents and hybrids were inoculated with three (3) Phytophthora colocasiae isolates from Dormaa Ahenekro, Tano Dumasi and Bunso in the Bono, Ashanti and Eastern regions of Ghana respectively and the diameter of lesions formed on the leaves after five days of inoculation were measured. Significant differences (p < 0.05) among the parents and hybrids for resistance to the Phytophthora colocasiae isolates, TLBD incidence (%) and DSI (%) in the field were observed making room for selection for further breeding for resistant varieties of dasheen taro. The isolate effect and genotype by isolate interaction effect were not significant (p > 0.05) indicating the similarity of the isolates’ virulence and pathogenicity and therefore any of the isolates identified can be used to screen for resistance to TLBD in Ghana. Hybrids BL/SM/115 × BL/SM/10, BL/SM/115 × CE/MAL/32, CE/MAL/32 × BL/SM/10, CE/MAL/32 × CE/IND/16 and CE/IND/16 × BL/SM/115 and parent CE/IND/16 were observed to have no disease incidence with corresponding zero DSI (%) making them highly resistant and therefore can further be field evaluated and be recommended to farmers for cultivation. The highly significant and positive predictive value for TLBD incidence and DSI (%) based on the lesion area on leaf discs suggests that resistant genotypes of TLBD can be selected at the laboratory without spending long periods of time and money for evaluating genotypes in the field.

Phylogeographic Patterns of the Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys Swinderianus) Populations from Eastern, Western and Southern Africa and Implications for Wildlife Conservation

Background and aim: African Greater Cane (ACG) rat populations are widely distributed across Africa but the ancestral origin of populations inhabiting different geographical regions is unknown. There is currently no information available on the genetic differentiation of these populations resulting from long-time geographical isolation, environmental and anthropogenic pressures they face in each region. This limits our ability to understand potential speciation processes in AGC and their implications for their conservation and of other small wild mammals exposed to similar ecological conditions in the savannah biomes in Africa. Methods: We analyzed mitochondrial genes targeting the D-loop region of AGC samples from two blocks of the Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania (eastern), three agro-ecological zones in Ghana (western) and four sites in South Africa (southern) to characterize the phylogeographical patterns of the species. Results: AGC populations from Tanzania revealed higher haplotype diversity than those from the two other régions. Analysis of variance (AMOVA) revealed higher genetic variations within than between populations in all geographic regions. Demographic history analysis revealed a negative and significant Tajima’s D for a single southern African population as well as close relatedness with the Eastern Africa populations, suggesting a common ancestral origin. Conclusion: This is the first study to compare maternal lineages of AGC populations from eastern, western and southern Africa and provides a basis for future genetic studies of the species, its evolutionary ecology and the conservation of these populations across their range. Conservation implications: Evidence of recent population size expansion underpinned by high genetic diversity observed in the Uluguru urban (Tanzania) Guinea savannah (Ghana) and Kwazulu Natal (South Africa) populations suggest that the AGC populations are not currently threatened, consistent with the current IUCN status. Also, the distinct haplotypes observed in each region suggest that the populations can be managed as meta-populations, thus providing opportunities for potential local game-farming programs.

Differential effects of weather, plant phenology and predators on the seasonal variation of aphids on cabbage.

The aphids Lipaphis erysimi pseudobrassicae (Davis) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) pose serious threats to the production of cruciferous crops in the tropics. Understanding their population dynamics is important for developing integrated pest management programmes to minimize their damage to crops. This study investigated the effects of climatic factors, natural enemies and plant age on the population dynamics of these pests. The population density of aphids and their natural enemies in 20 cabbage plants, and weather conditions were monitored for five cropping seasons from 2019 to 2021 in two agroecological zones of Ghana (Coastal Savannah and Deciduous Forest zones). The highest population density of L.e pseudobrassicae was recorded in January (dry season) in both agroecological zones, while the highest population density for M.persicae occurred in September (minor rainy season) and August (dry spell) in the Coastal Savannah and Deciduous Forest zones, respectively. The highest aphid densities were noted to occur during periods with low relative humidity and low rainfall. The population density of L.e.pseudobrassicae was significantly negatively related to plant age, air temperature and relative humidity, and positively related to syrphids (Paragus borbonicus) and spiders in the Coastal Savannah zone, while in the Deciduous Forest zone, it was significantly positively related to coccinellids. On the other hand, M.persicae population density was significantly positively related to syrphids and coccinellids in the Deciduous Forest zone. Rainfall negatively affected syrphids in the Coastal Savannah zone, while air temperature positively affected syrphids and negatively affected spiders in the Deciduous Forest zone. Coccinellids had a significant positive relationship with relative humidity in the Deciduous Forest zone. This study provides important insights into the key factors that regulate aphid population densities on cabbage and will support development of timely interventions to manage these pests.

Morphometric characterization and comparison of the African rhinoceros beetle (AfRB) Oryctes monoceros Olivier (Coleoptera: Dynastidae) populations from different agro-ecological zones in Ghana

Morphometric characterization and comparison of the African rhinoceros beetle (AfRB) Oryctes monoceros Olivier (Coleoptera: Dynastidae) populations from different agro-ecological zones in Ghana

The welfare impact of improved seed variety adoption in Ghana

Despite government support to boost domestic production, tomato consumption in Ghana is heavily dependent on imports. Improved tomato seed varieties (ITSV) are considered inputs to increase productivity, but their contribution to household welfare is quite unknown. We examined the impact of ITSV adoption on household welfare in three agro-ecological zones of Ghana. Primary data was collected from a random sample of 508 tomato farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study corrected for endogeneity bias in farmer adoption decisions using the multinomial endogenous switching regression model. The results show that the farmers' adoption of the improved varieties (Pectomech, Power Roma or both) was high and significantly influenced by sex, farm income, extension contact, credit access, perception of varietal characteristics (mainly yield), and farmers' residence in FSTZ, compared with the local variety (“Techiman”). Regarding household welfare, the adoption of Pectomech, Power Roma or both increased household expenditure and assets. Additionally, farmers gained more income by adopting Pectomech and both Pectomech and Power Roma. The findings suggest the need for research institutions like CSIR and the universities to step up the production of improved seed varieties with high-yielding capabilities and tolerance to pest, spoilage, and bad weather, while government and NGOs assist to increase farmers’ access to credit and extension services. The conceptual framework for the study is presented in Fig 3.4. Smyth (2004) defined a conceptual framework as a deep thinking or conceptualization of the processes or linkages or systems that can be used to simplify the understanding of a particular study. A conceptual framework tries to explain the linkages that exist among various concepts or variables used in the study. It starts from an inductive viewpoint to a deductive or from a simple to complex model below.

Sulphur Contents in Arable Soils from Four Agro-Ecological Zones of Ghana

There is limited data on Sulphur (S) contents in arable soils for appropriate fertilizer recommendations in Ghana. Five study areas in a reconnaissance survey (RS), followed by an in-depth study of two areas comprising farms of different durations of cultivation, were investigated for the current total S and sulphate contents. Basic soil properties were measured using standard laboratory procedures. Total S and sulphate contents were determined using LECO instrument dry combustion and HPLC, respectively. The results showed wide variations in total S contents from 31 to 603 mg kg−1 in the Guinea Savannah (GS) zone. The mean trend was Forest &gt; Forest-Transition (F-S) &gt; north Guinea Savannah (nGS) &gt; Deciduous Forest (DF) &gt; south Guinea Savannah (sGS) in the RS sites, with a similar trend in the main study sites. Sulphate contents ranged from 5 to 25 mg kg−1, constituting 0.8 to 37% of the total S. The mean percent trend was sGS = DF &gt; Forest &gt; nGS &gt; F-S. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was the major predictor of total S along with pedogenic minerals. Total S and crystalline pedogenic minerals predicted the sulphate contents. The results highlight the need for ecologically-based S fertilizer programmes to boost crop yields.

Duration of Cultivation Has Varied Impacts on Soil Charge Properties in Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Ghana

Agricultural expansion into natural habitats causes soil fertility decline after a period of cultivation. This study investigated changes in soil exchange properties in different farm types at Dompem and Adansam in the Forest and Forest–Savannah transition zones of Ghana as influenced by the duration of cultivation. Sixty farms were selected for soil sampling through a reconnaissance survey. The soils were subjected to physicochemical analysis. The results showed that the Dompem soils were loamic, had more amorphous Fe and Al oxides, were strongly acidic and had low contents of exchangeable acidity, a low sum of exchangeable bases (SEB), low effective cation exchangeable capacities (ECECs) and low available P. Conversely, the Adansam soils were arenic, slightly acidic and had relatively higher SEBs and ECECs. Interestingly, soil organic carbon (SOC) in the Dompem soils declined by &gt;10% in relation to the duration of cultivation and showed rapid reductions within three years. Correspondingly, soil bulk density, CEC and SEB declined. In Adansam soils, only δpH declined in relation to the duration of cultivation. Soil organic carbon accounted for &gt;50% of the ECEC and 49% of the SEB in Dompem soils but 36% of δpH in the Adansam soils. In conclusion, agricultural expansion, manifested in the duration of cultivation, mainly influenced soil charge properties through SOC decline.

Evaluation of Fonio (Digitaria exilis) Varieties for Improved Agronomic Traits in the Guinea and Sudan Savannah Agroecological Zones of Ghana

Background and Objective. Fonio is categorized as one of the neglected, under-utilized, or orphan crops of West Africa due to its poor yields and inadequate research information for its improvement and use. The need to improve the agronomic traits of this crop and also explore the possibility of growing it in different agroecologies has been felt over the years. A study was therefore conducted during the 2019 cropping season to determine variations among Fonio accessions and also assess the influence of genotype/accession, location, and genotype x location on growth and total grain yield of Fonio. Materials and Methods. Five accessions of the crop were planted in two locations in northern Ghana (Guinea and Sudan savannah) and replicated three times using factorial experiment in randomized complete block design. Results. The study indicated significant ( P &lt; 0.05 ) variations among accessions for most of the attributes measured. Accession OUSAI with 75 days to physiological maturity (DPHM) recorded highest grain yield of 1015.10 kg/ha, and NFAS4 with 98 DPHM recorded the least grain yield of 713.23 kg/ha. The most lodged accession was OUAS1 which recorded 65% lodging of its total plant population, and the least lodged accessions (NFAS4 and EYAS5) recorded about 10% lodging each. Conclusion. The results demonstrated a significant ( P &lt; 0.05 ) diversity among the accessions used in the study and influence of genotype/accession x location on growth and total grain yield of Fonio.

Assessment of farmers readiness to adopt maize hybrid varieties for high productivity in Ghana

ABSTRACT The adoption of maize hybrids is essential to contribute to maize productivity and ensure self-sufficiency and food security. However, the adoption of improved varieties hybrids technology including in Ghana is very low. Farmers’ socio-economic characteristics in relation to the adoption of maize hybrids, farmers constraints and readiness to adopt maize hybrids were assessed using a cross-sectional survey of 173 farmers in four regions in the forest-savannah agro-ecological zones in Ghana. The percentage of farmers that used hybrid seed in 2019 and 2020 were 32.4% and 22.5%, respectively. Of the four hybrids varieties grown, none was locally produced and over 83% of the farmers indicated readiness to adopt maize hybrid seed. The empirical model reveals that farmers readiness to adopt maize hybrids is positively influenced by gender, age, high yield and constraints variables such as high cost of production and pests and diseases.