Constraints Affecting Adoption of Pesticides among Vegetable Farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Pest remains a crucial constraint to vegetable production in Akwa Ibom State Nigeria. This study was therefore undertaken to examine constraints to the adoption of pesticides among vegetable farmers. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted with 120 respondents for the study. Result of socio-economic characteristics of farmers showed that they had a mean age of 41, a greater number (50%) of the respondents had formal education. A greater proportion (66.7%) respondents earned between ₦21,000 – ₦40,000 per month, with mean monthly income of ₦30,500. The result indicated the prevalence pesticides use in the area. As per factor analysis, Factor 1 show the economic and accessibility challenge which explains 34.37% of the variance, high cost of pesticide" (0.842), "Poor pesticides education" (0.828), and "inadequate fund to buy" (0.811) loaded heavily, emphasizing that economic constraints significantly hinder the use of pesticides. The study concluded that economic, logistical, and knowledge-related factors are the primary barriers preventing the widespread use of pesticides. The study recommended awareness creation by sensitizing farmers through the extension agents.

Keywords: Constraintsdoption, Pesticides, Vegetable farmers.