Author: Adebayo, K.
International Journal of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development (IJAERD, 2009)
Abstract
This study explores the intricacies of technology adoption in rural based cassava processing enterprises in southwest Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from 265 rural based cassava processors selected through a multistage sampling procedure and 37 purposively selected researchers/extension personnel. The data were collated and presented with the use of descriptive statistical tools and other descriptive frameworks. The data obtained on the key factors influencing the technology adoption process were used to test the two null hypotheses tested in the study. The results show that most of the cassava processors (57.74%) have adopted the cassava grater. Other cassava processing innovations that they are aware of are the improved method of cassava processing to gari, fufu, flour, chips and starch. Adopters and non-adopters of the cassava grater differ significantly in most of their social, economic and innovation related characteristics. The two exceptions are the estimated value of cassava processing enterprise (Naira) and the average distance regularly traveled (km/week).
The adopters perceive the use of the innovation as less complex than existing practice and have been in contact with the innovation for longer than non-adopters. There were significant relationships between the adoption of the cassava grater and processors’ household size, number of groups affiliated to, average distance regularly traveled, the relative advantage from using the grater, its compatibility with existing practice and the processors’ attitude to adopting the grater. The research subsystem dominated the technology development processes of cassava processing sector. The study concluded that approaches for promoting cassava processing interventions need to be flexible to accommodate the intricacies in the system. It then proposed three complementary approaches for promoting cassava processing innovations in southwest Nigeria.