Authors: Ladebo, J. O. & Joseph
Journal of Extension Systems 1998, Volume 14(2), December
Abstract
Soybean (Glycine max. L. Merril) a leguminous crop, is a veritable source of high quality but low cost protein which could be used for the fortification of a wide variety of diets of the people, most especially the rural dwellers who cannot afford the traditional sources of protein foods in this period of the nation’s economic depression.The crop is being promoted among the rural people both for cultivation and consumption. This study sought to determine the adoption level of the utilization forms of soybean and also ascertain the significant factors that contribute to or influence adoption behaviour of the women-in-development of Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State.
For the study purposes, 150 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed from 10 villages in Odeda Local Government Area using validated structured interview schedule. Findings show that 97.3% of the women-in-development have adopted the use of soybean in their diets and the commonest form being used is the flour. Determinants of adoption are extension contact, educational level and farming experience. It is highly recommended that for enhancement of the adoption of soybean among the women-in-development, the farmer – extension ratio 2166:1 in the State need improvement. To optimize their personnel resources, the extension service should identify existing viable local groups and where such groups are not viable or in existence should facilitate the formation of one which would form the basis of the extension teaching efforts. This should be complemented with media communication support, especially the use of radio since this cuts across the barrier of literacy and distance.