PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF INFORMATION SOURCES ON ADOPTION OF STANDARD CASSAVA PRODUCTION PRACTICES AMONG FARMERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Festus Nnamdi; Nwaiwu, Juan Chinatu; Onubuogu, Gilbert Chinedu; Obichere, Chinwe Nnene; Ofoegbu Onyinyechi Grace and Obinwa, Augusta Ujunwa
Festus Nnamdi: Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Nwaiwu, Juan Chinatu: Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Onubuogu, Gilbert Chinedu: Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Obichere, Chinwe Nnene: Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Ofoegbu Onyinyechi Grace: Department of Crop Science and Biotechnology, Imo State University Owerri, Nigeria.
Obinwa, Augusta Ujunwa: Department of Environmental Science and Management Technology, Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Cassava remains a major staple crop in Nigeria, yet productivity in Imo State is still below potential due to low and inconsistent adoption of standard production practices. This gap has been largely linked to inadequate and ineffective agricultural information dissemination systems, where farmers depend on multiple information sources that vary in credibility and accessibility. Against this background, the study examined the perceived effects of information sources on the adoption of standard cassava production practices among farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it identified the various sources of information available to cassava farmers, assessed their perceived effects on adoption, and examined the barriers farmers face in accessing agricultural information. A multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted to select 180 cassava farmers across the three agricultural zones of Imo State. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a 4-point Likert scale. Findings revealed that cooperative groups (97.78%), social gatherings (96.67%), and fellow farmers (92.78%) were the most prominent sources of information, indicating strong reliance on informal and community-based channels. The study further showed that information sources positively influenced adoption of standard cassava production practices, with an aggregate mean score of 3.02, highlighting improvements in awareness, technical knowledge, accelerated adoption, and strengthened farmer-extension linkages. However, major constraints such as high cost of ICT devices (95.42%), poor knowledge of information access (87.29%), inadequate electricity supply (73.46%), and weak extension services (53.82%) significantly limited farmers’ access to reliable information. The study concludes that while information sources positively influence adoption, structural and institutional barriers hinder effective information dissemination. It recommends strengthening extension systems, improving rural ICT infrastructure, and integrating informal and formal information channels to enhance cassava productivity in the study area.
Keywords: Cassava Production; Information Sources; Adoption; Extension Services; Agricultural Innovation; Rural Farmers; ICT Access; Agricultural Information Dissemination