ISSN 2360-798X
Abstract
Accepted 2nd January, 2015
This study measured the level of adoption of improved practices among arable crop farmers in Iwo zone of Osun State Agricultural Development Programme (OSADEP). Multistage sampling technique was used to select 110 arable crop farmers as sample for the study. Data were collected from respondents through personal interview. The results showed that the improved practices used by the farmers include use of improved varieties, use of herbicides and application of chemical fertilizers. However, none of the farmers prepared their land mechanically, dressed seed with chemicals, and used mechanical means of harvesting. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there is a significant difference between groups of farmers with low and average adoption scores (F = 12.3, p < 0.05). There are also significant differences between male and female farmers level of adoption of improved practices (F = 76.4, p< 0.05) and single and married farmers level of adoption of improved practices (F = 76.00, p < 0.05). the Pearson correlation coefficients showed that there is a negative and significant relationship between farmers; age and their level of adoption of improved farm practices r = 10.197, p < 0.05).
Keywords: improved farming practices, arable crop farmers, Iwo Zone, Osun State, Agricultural Development Programme.