Prediction of adoption of Yam minisett technology among Yam farmers in Rivers state, Nigeria

This study examined the predictive variables of adoption of yam minisett technology among yam farmers in Rivers State, Nigeria. Multi-stage, cluster, purposive and simple random sampling methods were used in selecting 252 yam farmers as the sample size of the study. An interview schedule was used in obtaining data from the respondents. Results showed that adoption levels were 16.7 per cent for partial adoption, 18.6 percent for complete adoption and 64.7 per cent for none adoption. Results for test of hypothesis indicated that, four out of the six tested variables that had significant relationship with adoption explained about 89.3 percent (R²=0.8926) of the adoption variability of the respondents. The best predictor of adoption was extension contact, with R²=0.3364 contribution. This was followed by educational level, with R²=0.2440, income, with R²=0.1805 and farm size, with R²=0.1317. Efforts directed at improving extension contact, education, income and farm sizes of yam farmers were suggested for a higher adoption of the minisett technology among these farmers.