ADOPTION OF HYBRID MAIZE PRODUCTION AMONG FARMERS IN SABON-GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examines the adoption of hybrid maize production among farmers in Sabon-Gari Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting 108 respondents from the study area. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and mean. The results revealed that the mean age, household size and farming experience of the respondents were 39.8years, 5 people and 11years, respectively. The results also revealed that majority (67% and 61%) sourced their information through contact farmers and extension agents, while most (94%) got it from cooperative societies. It was discovered that higher yields and early maturity were important factors that increase adoption rate and that farmers were interested in economic gains while challenges include high cost of labour, lack of high quality seed, low price of grain and high price of fertilizer. The study concluded that yield, taste and price of the maize were the varietal attributes influencing adoption of hybrid maize in the study area. It was therefore recommended that farmers should be encouraged to form cooperatives society which will enable them source credit and other farm inputs. Government should ensure that subsidized agricultural production inputs such as fertilizer, improved seeds and also mechanized farm implements reach the farmers at approved rate/prices.