Farmers’ Perceived Adoption Risks associated with Nicola Variety of Potato in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine farmers’ perceptions of characteristics of the Nicola improved potato variety as well as their perceived risks associated with adoption of the Variety. Five communities notable for potato production on the Jos Plateau were visited for the study. Fifty potato farmers were sampled and interviewed using structured questionnaire. Data collected were analysed with descriptive statistics. Also, the Logit regression model was conducted to determine effects of the perceived risks on adoption of the variety in the study area. Results of the study showed that 52% of the respondents perceived that the Nicola variety adapts and grows well in Jos Plateau, while 28% indicated that the variety does not grow well. Also, most respondents perceived that high initial cost of adoption (90%, high susceptibility to Diseases and potato Pests (72%) were major risk factors associated with adoption of the Nicola. Furthermore, the results indicated that farmers’ perceptions of the variety as being prone to field thefts (-1.980**), low in yield (-2.333**) as well as highly susceptible to potato diseases (-1.911**) had significant negative effects on their level of adoption of the Nicola variety of Potato in the study area. As a result, farmers have not marched adoption of the variety with its widespread popularity. It is therefore recommended that relevant Research Institute concerned should endeavour to develop new variants of the Nicola which shall be high yielding and more resistant to potato diseases. Also, farmers should be encouraged to plant the variety early so as to escape the potato diseases which are more prevalent among late planted ones.