Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) analysis of underutilized indigenous vegetables (UIVs) technologies among the Southwest Nigerian young farmers

The study analysed the knowledge, attitude and practices of UIVs technologies in Southwest Nigeria. Specifically, it described the socio-economic characteristics of therespondents and determined their level of knowledge, attitude and practices toward the UIVs technologies. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 210 respondents. Structured interview schedule and focus group discussion were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse collected data. Results revealed that the mean age of respondents was 32.11±4.42 years with an average household size of 3.87±1.20. Also, many of the respondents had high knowledge in rectangular seedbed (61.4%) and had a favourable attitude towards rectangular seedbed (67.1%), irrigation management (72.9%) and split fertilizer (74.8%). Also, the respondents during the raining season (April to August) had low practice of microdosing (76.7%) and split fertilizer and seed treatment (81%) for the cultivation of Telfairia occidentalis; Ugu; fluted pumpkin (Apiroko); seed treatment (82.9%), microdosing technology (77.3%) and split fertilizer (78.8%) for Solarnum macrocarpon Garden egg (Igbagba) cultivation; split fertilizer (81.6%), microdosing technology (74.9%), and seed treatment (82.9%) for Amaranthus cruentus; Amaranth; (Tete Atetedaye) cultivation. Result of correlation analysis reveals that there was a strong significant relationship between the knowledge about UIVs technologies and attitude of respondents towards the technologies (r=0.92, p≤0.001). However, during the raining season (April to August) in the study area, because of glut in the vegetable market, the practice of these technologies was negatively significant to both the knowledge (r= -0.40, p≤0.001) and attitude (r= -0.31, p≤0.001) of the respondents respectively. The study therefore concluded among others, that agricultural development stakeholders should continue to motivate youths to get more involved in cultivation of underutilized indigenous vegetables by promoting storage and market for their produce in order to improve their livelihood and ensure food security throughout the year.