FACTORS INFLUENCING THE USE OF IMPROVED COWPEA TECHNOLOG;S AMONG FARMERS IN BAUCHI AND GOMBE STATES OF NIGERIA

This paper investigated major factors influencing the use of improved cowpea technologies among farmers in Bauchi and Gombe States of Nigeria. A structured interview schedule was used to obtain data from a randomly selected sample of 130 farmers. The data collected were analyzed using the principal factor model with iteration and varimax rotation. The results show that poor condition of the farming conrniunities, marketing problems, poor technical know -how. cultural incompatibility. poor economic condition of the farmers and non- availability of necessary inputs are the major factors constraining the use of improved cowpea technologies in the area. These findings suggest that there is an urgent need for research, policy makers and administrators of extension service to consider these factors seriously, if increased cowpea production is to be achieved by farmers in the area