Determinant Factors to Decision to Adopt Pro-Vitamin a Cassava Varieties by Farmers in Abia State of Nigeria

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue X, October 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

Determinant Factors to Decision to Adopt Pro-Vitamin a Cassava Varieties by Farmers in Abia State of Nigeria

 Onunka, B N¹, Ume, S I¹,  Okoroafor, I B² and Edeh, O N^3
1Department of Extension and Management (AEM), Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu, Ivo LGA, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
²Department of Statistics. Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu, Ivo LGA, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
³National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI),Umudike.Igbariam Sub-station.Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract
Determinant factors to decision to adopt pro-vitamin A cassava varieties by farmers in Abia State of Nigeria was studied. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and twenty respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire and oral interview were used to elicit data for the study. Percentage responses and Probit model analysis were used to address the objectives of the study.The result of the probit analytical model showed that farmers’ educational level, membership of organization, farming experience, farm size, off-farm income and extension services were the determinants factors to the decision to adopt improved pro vitamin A cassava varieties There is need to enhance farmers’ access to educational programmes, credit facility, off-farm employment and extension services.

Keyword; Probit model, Decision, Adopt, Pro Vitamin A, Cassava Varieties, Farmers

Introduction
Cassava and its derivatives as reported by Food Agriculture 0rganization (FAO), (2015) are utilized as food, confectionery, sweeteners and livestock feed. It serves also as source of employment and income for rural people particularly women (Ume, Onuh, Jiwuba, and Onunka, 2016). Cassava storage root as asserted by Onunka, Ume, Ekwe and Silo(2017) and WorldBank,. (2018)is rich in starch but poor in protein and micronutrients like iron, zinc and Pro-vitamin A, thus predisposing the consumers particularly pregnant women and children under five years to dietary related diseases. Prominent among the diseases is vitamin A related diseases, they added.
The health risks associated with vitamin A deficiency especially among vulnerable groups in rural areas of sub Saharan Africa are well documented (FAO, 2013; Ekwe, 2013, Ume, Okoye, Onwujiariri and Achebe, 2020). Studies inferred that pro-vitamin A deficiency is capable of causing impaired vision, reduced immunity, and compromises growth and development leading to death in the most severe cases (FAO, 2015; Ume, Uloh, Onyeka, and Nwose, 2020). Bio-fortification (using natural breeding techniques or genetically modified organisms ) is recommended as remedy to pro vitamin A deficiency for

Read More