Factors Influencing the Adoption of Improved Cowpea Storage Techniques in Funa-Kaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to analyse the adoption of improved cowpea storage techniques in Funa-Kaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria. Random sampling techniques were used in selecting 100 farmers across four (4) wards in the Local Government Area namely; Ashaka, Bajoga West, Bajoga East and Ribadu. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 100 cowpea farmers randomly selected from the study area. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency and percentage) and inferential statistics (multiple regression).  The result of the study showed that most (90%) of the respondents were male. Furthermore, the result revealed that majority (68%) of the respondents were below the age of 50 years, the result also showed that most (92%) of the cowpea farmers were literate who had one form of formal education or the other. The result showed that 31.9% of the cowpea farmers preferred storage of cowpea using metal drum which ranked first (1st), while 24.5% of cowpea farmers preferred storage using triple bagging which ranked second (2nd). The result of the multiple regression showed that methods of approach by extension agent, education, simplicity of the innovation, availability of storage facilities and knowledge on improve cowpea had positive influence on farmers’ adoption. The study identified challenges associated with the adoption of improved cowpea storage include; insufficient capital, inadequate infrastructure, late message delivery, poor communication network amongst others. The study concluded that cowpea farmers in Funa-Kaye Local Government Area preferred metal drum for storage of their crop. The study furthermore, recommended that effort should be made by government in providing extension agents to educate cowpea farmers on the modern technique of cowpea storage, also government effort is needed in providing fund/capital to enable farmers purchase modern equipment.