Department: Agricultural Economics and Extension Services
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1
FARMERS’ PREFERENCE AND CONSTRAINTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF STRIGA RESISTANT MAIZE VARIETIES (sammaz 15 AND 16) IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA
The study investigated farmers’ response and acceptability of Striga resistant varieties (samaz 15 and 16) of maize in Jigawa State, Nigeria. A multistage (3-stage) sampling technique was used to elicit information from 120 respondents for the study. Respondents average age was 47 years, majority (93.3%) were males, (88.3%) with Islamic education (63.3%). Significant proportions (77.5%) were married, average household size is 18 persons and farming experience of 13 years. Majority (88.3%) were engaged in cooperative movement and had average monthly income of N42, 520.83. Slightly above two-third of the respondents (68.3%) accepted that the varieties performed better, and preferable (64.2%) to the other varieties. Slightly above average of the respondents (55.5%) also had access to the improved maize seed, and responded favourably to the seeds (54.2%). Most of the respondents 93.3% and 90.8% accepted that samaz 16 and 15 matured within the stipulated 120 and 100 days respectively. Many of them agreed about the presence of Striga on the field and 74.2% concurred with the stated qualities of these varieties. Majority (78.0%) claimed there was no effect of Striga infestation on their maize harvest, storage and qualities. The Maize (sammaz 15 and 16) Varieties were acceptable to maize consumers. Average yield observed was 2,158.83kg/ha. The main sources of information on these varieties to farmers were radio (60.8%) and family/friend/neighbours (28.3%). Major constraints to the maize farming reported were lack of capital (45.0%), scarcity of fertilizer (19.2%), sustainable market (17.5%) and poor extension services (7.5%). Chi-square result showed a positive relationship between farmers’ educational level and their awareness of the maize varieties. Based on the study findings, the study recommends the need to step up awareness campaign on the maize varieties and the provision of inputs and adequate extension services to the farmers
