ANALYSIS OF THE ADOPTION OF ORGANIC LIQUID FERTILIZER AMONG DRY SEASON RICE FARMERS IN TARABA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the adoption of organic liquid fertilizer among dry season rice farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 193 respondents for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that the majority (72.5% and 63.7%) were male and married. About 31.6% fell within the age bracket of 31–40 years, while 50.3% had household sizes of 6–10 persons. Furthermore, 46.1% had 11–20 years of farming experience, and 36.8% cultivated 1–2 hectares of farmland. The findings also showed that the majority (74.1% and 58%) were aware of organic fertilizer and had adopted it on their farms, while 41.1% had 1–3 years of experience using organic liquid fertilizer. Most respondents agreed that organic liquid fertilizer was environmentally friendly (4.26), improved soil fertility (4.32), increased yield (4.18), enhanced crop quality (4.09), and reduced the cost of production (3.76). The study also identified the high cost of organic liquid fertilizer (3.21), limited product availability (3.15), lack of awareness (3.08), and inadequate extension services (2.97) as the major constraints to adoption. The study concluded that despite the challenges faced by farmers, organic liquid fertilizer was gaining wider acceptance. It recommended that the government should improve farmers’ access to credit, strengthen extension services, and increase awareness to enhance and sustain the adoption of organic liquid fertilizer in agricultural production.