Determinants of sustained use of improved cassava production technologies among smallholder farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

The study determined sustained use of improved cassava production technologies by Smallholder farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined farmers level of sustained use of the technologies; determined sustained use of the technologies in relation to farmers socio-economic characteristics; and ascertained sustained use of the technology in relation to technology attributes. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 180 respondents which formed the sample size. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the primary data which was analyzed using percentages, mean statistic and logistic regression model. Results showed that the mean level of sustained use of the technologies was 2.53 indicating very low level. Farm size, education level and income were significant at 1% level while the coefficient of farming experience and organizational membership were significant at 5% level implying important determinants of sustained use of the technologies. On the contrary, age and distance of farm land were negative and non-significant at 5% level indicating non important determinants of sustained use of the technologies. Results further showed that outputs, profitability, compatibility, availability, complexity, credibility and adaptability were all important technology attributes influencing sustained use of the technologies in the state. The study recommends the development of appropriate technologies for farmers use for this will boost their interest in the technologies and hence sustain its use.