Strategies For Enhancing Utilization of Innovative Crop Production Techniques by Households in Kwara State

Abstract

The study focused on strategies for enhancing utilization of innovative crop production techniques among households in Kwara State.Specifically, the study determined innovative crop production techniques that could be adopted by households; modalities households could utilize for adopting the techniques; possible challenges households could experience in adopting the techniques and ways of enhancing utilization of innovative techniques. The study adopted survey research design. Population for the study was 83 university lecturers consisting of 48 Agricultural Extension lecturers and 35 Agricultural extension agents in Kwara State. Questionnaire was utilized for data collection. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings reveal 13 innovative crop production techniques including: utilizing neem oil for controlling crop pests (X = 3.42), flame weeder for controlling weed ( X = 3.52), and farm-to-market food systems to reduce cost of transportation ( X = 3.37). Other findings are10 modalities households could utilize for applying the innovative crop production techniques. These include, among others, utilizing demonstration plots ( X = 3.15), utilizing digital platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook ( X = 3.54). other findings are 11 possible challenges households could experience in adopting the innovative crop production techniques such as lack of supportive policies and regulations ( X = 3.60), lack of extension services and support ( X = 3.44) and others. Also 12 ways of enhancing utilization of innovative crop production techniques were found, such as: develop supportive policies, regulations, and incentives that encourage the adoption of innovative techniques ( X = 3.25), among others. Five recommendations were made based on the findings.