ASSESSING THE ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AMONG RURAL CASSAVA FARMERS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
cassava, Agriculture, climate smart, AdoptionAbstract
This study assessed the adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices among rural cassava farmers in Benue State, Nigeria. The population comprised all rural cassava farmers in Benue State. A sample size of 175 respondents was selected using a multi-stage selection technique comprising purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed a balanced gender distribution, with women slightly outnumbering men (50.3%). The mean age of respondents was 28.4 years. Most farmers were married (49.7%), had small household sizes 4.8 persons and operated on modest farm holdings (mean farm size 2.2 hectares). Educational attainment was modest with 61.1% having secondary education, while Annual income levels were modest, with 41.1% earning between ₦100,000 and ₦300,000. Adoption of CSAPs varied significantly, improved cassava varieties were universally adopted (100%), followed by water conservation techniques (91.4%), organic fertilizer use (78.9%), crop rotation (65.7%), and agroforestry (54.3%). Farmers perceived CSAPs as beneficial, with increased yield (x̄ = 3.20), enhanced food security (x̄ = 3.00), and income growth (x̄ = 2.80) rated as the top advantages. The study concludes that cassava farmers in Benue State are increasingly engaging with CSA practices, offering a pathway to sustainable agricultural development. Despite these benefits, adoption was hindered by several constraints like financial constraints adequate access to inputs poor extension services and cultural resistance to change. The study recommends targeted input subsidies, strengthened extension systems, and culturally sensitive awareness campaigns to improve CSAP uptake and foster sustainable cassava production in the State
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