Assessing the Factors Influencing the Utilization of Improved Cereal Crop Production Technologies by Small-scale Farmers in Nigeria

This paper identifies the major factors influencing the level of adoption of improved cereal crop production technologies in Nigeria. Intensity of extension contact, amount and use of credit, cooperative membership, all of which are institutional in nature, were found to be most important factors influencing the adoption of improved cereal crop production technologies. Data were collected from six Local Government Areas of Benue State through interview conducted among a total of 370 small-scale cereal crop farmers. The data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple regression statistics. Adoption of improved technology packages may, in part, be related to the way farmers receive the technologies introduced to them. The important factors in such a perception are the difficulties inherent in using a practice; the consistency or how adaptable the practice is in the context of the existing practices in which the farmers are already familiar with; and the expectations of the farmers using the practice.