ADOPTION OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS BY CHILDREN-INAGRICULTURE PROGRAMME (CIAP) MEMBERS IN ENUGU STATE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

A major research question is how best to increase the adoption of innovations by Nigerian farmers. This study investigated the adoption of innovations by Children-InAgriculture Programme (CIAP) participants in Enugu State of Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was designed, validated, and used to collect information from the one hundred registered CIAP members in Enugu State. An agricultural science test was also administered to all the 100 CIAP members (50 boys and 50 girls). One hypothesis was tested to the effect that there was statistically significant difference in the mean scores of male and female CIAP members on agricultural science knowledge test. The study also showed that the respondents adopted five innovations – sweet potato, mulching, line/row planting, dry season vegetable production, and fertilizer. Measures suggested by the subjects to promote interest of youths in agriculture include: formation of youth clubs in schools; award of scholarships to University students of agriculture; grant of interest – free loans to youths willing to embark on viable agricultural projects, ensuring that every primary school has a garden while every post-primary institution should have a modest farm; and the offer of automatic employment to a good number of agricultural graduates