ASSESSMENT OF CONSTRAINTS IN DISSEMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY IN EBONYI NORTH AGRICULTURAL ZONE, EBONYI

The study analyzed the assessment of constrains in dissemination of agricultural Biotechnology in Ebonyi North Agricultural zone of Ebonyi State. A multi-staged sample technique was employed for the selection of 120 respondents. Structural questionnaire and interview schedule were administered on respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. The result revealed that agricultural biotechnology awareness of the respondents include: golden rice 56.6 percent, protein enhanced sweet potatoes 61.6 percent, health 70.0 percent, tomatoes 63.3 percent, soy beans 52.5 percent and maize (corn) 74.25 percent. Herbicide tolerant crops (rice and Maize had 67.5 and 76.7 percent respectively). Disease resistant crop such as paw-paw 56.75 percent. However, the study also revealed the benefits of Agricultural Biotechnology such as increase in yield and productivity. A high co-efficient of multiple determination (R2) of 72 percent was obtained while a null hypothesis tested at 5 % level of significance was rejected because F-cal (40.54)> F – tab (2.13) The result also revealed some constraints that limit the dissemination of agricultural biotechnology, its potentials and risks. Some recommendations were made based on the findings. Farmers should organize themselves into co-operative societies. Government should support extension agents and services through Workshops, Seminars