Factors influencing the adoption of improved cassava varieties among small holder farmers in Alikua sub county.

Abstract

This study assessed the adoption of improved cassava varieties, specifically the NASE a nd NAROCASS series, among smallholder farmers in Alikua Sub-County, Maracha Distric t. The research study aimed to characterize the cassava production system, determine a doption levels, and identify factors influencing adoption. A cross-sectional survey was c onducted with 75 farmers selected through purposive and random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statisti cs summarized farmer demographics, farm characteristics, and adoption pattems, while Chi-square tests, correlation analysis, and binary logistic regression were used to examin e relationships between adoption and socio-economic factors. The findings revealed that 64.8% of farmers had adopted improved cassava varieties. Ad opters were generally younger, more educated, and engaged in diversified income activiti es compared to non-adopters. On average, adopters cultivated more land (2.65 acres vs 2.14 acres), allocated more land to cassava (1.55 acres vs 1.03 acres), and achieved hig her yields (395.87 kg vs 198.97 kg) with shorter maturity periods (11 months vs 12.1 mo nths). Adoption was significantly associated with household size, landholding, cooperati ve membership, and access to extension services, while age had a marginal negative eff ect. Sex, marital status, education level, and farming experience were not significant dete rminants. Farmers faced major challenges including pests and diseases, limited access to quality planting materials, land shortages, and poor agronomic knowledge, with additional cons trains such as limited extension services, high input costs, and inadequate storage facilities ties. The study concluded that household size, landholding, and access to institutional support strongly influenced adoption. It recommended strengthening cooperatives, improving access to quality planting materials, promoting labor management strategies, and addressing land and economic constraints to enhance adoption and productivity.