PARTICIPATORY APPROACH: FARMERS' COMPETENCE STATUS IN THE USE OF IMPROVED CASSAVA STEM MULTIPLICATION TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA

This paper examined the competence status of farmers in the use of cassava stem multiplication technology in Imo State. The three agricultural zones of the Imo State Agricultural Development Programme namely Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri were all selected for the study. From the zones twenty five ADP contact farmers were selected from each zone totaling a sample size of seventy five respondents for the entire study area. Using structured questionnaire, data on farmers’ socio economic characteristics as well as extent of knowledge of the cassava stem multiplication technology were collected from the respondents. Data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi square statistics. Result of Chi square analysis performed at 5% significance level shows significant variation (P<0.5) in farmers’ competence status in 9 out of 11 practices that comprise the cassava stem multiplication technology. They include land preparations methods , selection and handling of stems, length/size of cassava stakes (1, 2, 3 and 5 nodes), type of chemicals required in technology, chemical treatment of the stakes , soil nutrient management, essential farm tools/ equipment, pre sprouting of the cassava stakes and hardening process for the pre-sprouted stakes. Moreover, there was generally only a fair knowledge of the various practices in the cassava stem multiplication technology. Thus, it is recommended that the technology be given accelerated promotion and dissemination through extensive training of farmers in various locations in the study area. Also, multi-locational method demonstration field days should also be organized for farmers. To achieve a wider diffusion of the technology, training of farmers’ cooperative societies in the study is very imperative.