Factors Influencing Farmers’ Attitude to Adopt Drought Tolerant Maize Varieties in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated factors influencing farmers’ attitude towards adoption of drought-tolerant maize varieties. One hundred maize farmers were selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure and data were collected through structured questionnaires. Information was collected on the socio-economic characteristics of the maize farmers, farmers’ level of awareness of drought-tolerant maize varieties, farmers’ attitudes towards agricultural innovation, constraints to adoption of drought-tolerant maize varieties and, factors influencing farmers’ attitude towards adoption of drought-tolerant maize varieties. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Logit regression. The findings revealed that 76% of the maize farmers had limited awareness regarding the benefits and characteristics of drought-tolerant maize varieties. Also, the majority (74%) of the farmers lacked knowledge about the quality and advantages of these varieties. Despite positive attitude (mean = 4.28) which was measured at ordinal level, several constraints to adoption were identified, mainly low output of drought tolerant maize varieties (mean = 2.30). The findings also showed the substantial impact of two key factors (that is, sex and income) as factors influencing farmers’ attitude to adopt drought-tolerant maize varieties. Farmers are yet to take advantage of drought-tolerant maize varieties as a mitigating strategy against climate change. The need for extension services and non-governmental organizations to step up awareness creation and training on best agronomic practices in growing the maize varieties is recommended.