VARIETY CHARACTERISTICS AND CASSAVA ADOPTION AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN IMO STATE.

This study investigated the factors contributing to low levels of adoption of improved cassava varieties in Imo State. A sample of 120 respondents was randomly selected for the study and interviewed using structured questionnaire. Empirical analysis was based on a farm household model, which explicitly incorporates variety characteristics into the households’ optimization process. A multitude of variety characteristics and some household socio-economic characteristics were considered. Results indicated that certain variety and economic characteristics are important determinants of variety choice, and that inadequate extension information and improved input distribution system may be important limiting factors to adoption of improved cassava varieties