EFFECT OF SELECTED CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES ON PRODUCTIVITY AND FOOD SECURITY OF CASSAVA FARMERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the effect of capacity building activities on productivity and food security of cassava contact farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives were to; describe socio-economic characteristics of farmers; identify capacity building technologies extended; determine effect of capacity-building activities on their productivity and determine the effect of capacity-building activities and other variables on food security status of farmers. Multistage random sampling technique was employed. Data were collected from 96 farmers using semi-structured questionnaire. The result revealed that use of improved varieties, optimum plant population, line planting, fertilizer application, correct spacing, planting depth, timely weeding, routine watering, application of insecticides, timely planting and tillage practices were perceived by the farmers as being available while result on z-test showed that mean productivity before and after adoption was 1.80tons/ha and 4.04 tons/ha respectively. The OLS result showed that the coefficients of capacity building activities, farm size, planting materials, use of fertilizers and other agro-chemicals were positive and highly significant at 1%. This implies that a 1% increase in capacity building activities will bring about an increase in food security status of the farmers. Based on the findings, it is recommended that agricultural extension policies and measures which improved the food security status of cassava farmers should be advocated.