Adoption of yam (Discorea spp.) minisett technology in delta state, Nigeria

Yam minisett technology provides seed yams rapidly. It is designed to alleviate the problem of seed yams scarcity, which has been identified as a major constraint to increased yam production. This study examined the adoption of the technology by farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. A random sampling technique was employed in the selection of respondents. A sample size of 240 yam farmers participated in the study. Data were collected through the use of structured interview schedule. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing data generated by the study. Results of the study reveal that respondents had moderate awareness of yam minisett technology with an overall awareness percentage of 46%. The study also found an overall mean adoption score of 2.24, which indicates a general low adoption of the technology by the farmers. Application of minisett dust with adoption score of 2.05 was the least adopted yam minisett technology item, while cutting into minisett was the most adopted with adoption score of 2.79. The study found a significant relationship between some farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics and adoption of yam minisett technology. Recommendations of the study include that more awareness on the technology should be created among the farmers by the relevant agency through the use of extension campaigns, demonstrations and small plot adoption trials (SPAT). Also, farm credit should be granted to yam farmers through the State Government’s Micro Credit Scheme (SGMCS) to enhance their adoption of the technology.