Effects of farmer and institutional characteristics on the adoption of improved cotton varieties in Nigeria

The study examined the determinants of adoption of improved cotton seeds and their use intensity in Gombe State, Northeastern Nigeria. Data were collected directly from farmers using questionnaires. A total of 240 respondents were used for the study. Farmers’ socio-economic and institutional variables were regressed on adoption and use intensity using Logit and Tobit model respectively. The Logit estimates showed that educational level, farming experience, annual expenditure on labor, access to extension services and proximity to source of improved cotton seeds were significant in influencing the adoption of improved cotton seeds in the study area. The Tobit model indicated that gender, educational level, farming experience and expenditure on labor were significant in influencing the intensity of use of improved cotton seed by farmers. Institutional factors that influenced the intensity of use of improved cotton seeds included access to farm machinery and proximity to source of inputs. From these observations, it was concluded that farm size, farming experience, expenditure on labor, proximity to market and access to farm machinery significantly influenced both the likelihood of adoption and the intensity of use of improved cotton seed in the study area. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that farmers be exposed to educational opportunities; farmers should also be linked to market for purchase ofinputs and sales of their produce and if possible with minimum price guaranteed by government; and farmers should be linked to sources of credit by establishing financial institutions such as Micro-finance Banks in rural communities.Keywords: Farmer, institution, cotton seed, Gossipium barbadens, Nigeria