DETERMINANTS OF SUSTAINABLE USE OF IMPROVED YAM PRODUCTION PRACTICES AMONG FARMERS IN EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined determinants of sustainable use of improved yam production practices among farmers inEbonyi State, Nigeria. A total of one hundred and twenty farmers were selected across the state using multi-stagesampling procedure. Data collection was achieved by using a well-structured questionnaire and personalinterview. Data analysis made use of frequency counts, percentages, mean scores and multiple regressionanalysis. Results obtained revealed that out of twenty two (22) improved yam production practices disseminatedby Ebonyi State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), fourteen (14) are currently being used by farmersin the area. These include; storage in barns (x = 4.6), harvesting in 7 – 12 months(x = 4.5), staking (x = 4.4), use ofNPK 12:12:17 (x = 4.2), yam-cassava relay intercrop (x = 4.0), weeding (x = 4.0), yam-melon intercrop ( x = 3.5),band placement of fertilizer (x = 3.5), among others. Results of the multiple regression analysis revealed thatincome level, age of respondents, cost of yam production, socio-cultural acceptability, economic viability,farming experience, level of education, extension contact and awareness of farmers were all important andsignificant variables affecting sustainable use of improved yam production practices in the study area. Given theenormous potentials and importance of yam in the area, it has become imperative that youths be encouraged toparticipate effectively in yam production, because majority of farmers in the area are aged and retiring fromactive production practices. This will ensure food security. Also relevant inputs like fertilizers, herbicides andplanting materials should be subsidized by government. This will help reduce the cost of production of the crop