Journal of Applied Biosciences (J. Appl. Biosci.) [ISSN 1997 - 5902]
Volume 36: 2389 - 2402. Published December 7, 2010.
Factors influencing the adoption intensity of improved yam (Dioscorea spp.) seed technology in the western highlands and high guinea savannah zones of Cameroon
Nchinda V.P., Ambe T.E., Nathalie H., Leke W., Che M.A., Nkwate S.P., Ngassam S.B., Njualem, D.K.
1IRAD Bambui, Box 80 Bamenda-Cameroon; 2IOB-University of Antwerp, Belgium; 3Faculty of Economics, University of Dschang, Cameroon; 4Development Engineering Service Cameroon (DESCAM).
*Corresponding author: Tel.: (+237) 77 69 36 55, E-mail: petenstebe@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Objective: Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is one of the staple tubers consumed by most households in West and Central African countries. It exists in many varieties and forms and could also be consumed in a number of ways. However, the cultivation of this very important crop is limited by several factors, such as the scarcity of high yielding seedlings resulting in low yield, thereby compromising food security. To address some of these problems, the National Agricultural Extension and Research Programs in Cameroon adopted and disseminated the yam minisett seedling technology to yam farmers in Cameroon to improve productivity. This study evaluated the factors influencing the adoption and use intensity of this innovation.
Methodology and results: Survey data was collected from 76 farmers chosen randomly in the Western Highland (WHL) and High Guinea Savannah (HGS) agro-ecological zones of Cameroon following a quasi experimental research design. Tobit regression method was used as the main analytical tool. Results showed that factors such as age (P<0.01), mixed cropping (P<0.01), hired labour (P<0.05) and membership in farmers’ organizations (P<0.01) positively and significantly influenced the adoption intensity of minisett technology in areas covered.
Conclusion and recommendation: In order to scale up the level of adoption and intensity of minisett yam seedling technology, stakeholders are called upon to reach out to the younger and energetic farmers (<41 years), consider re-packaging and disseminating the technology to farmers preferably through existing networks such as farmers’ groups, encourage wealthy farmers to take up yam seed production as a major source of income while still promoting small-scale farmers. Research should consult and incorporate farmers’ inputs in the designing of yam minisett seedling technology, while policy makers and extension services should consider disparities across agro-ecological zones in decision making and outreach strategy.
Key words: Yam, minisett seedling technology, adoption and determinants
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