ASSESSMENT OF UTILIZATION OF PROMOTED AGROCHEMICALS AMONG WOMEN FARMERS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

he study assessed the utilization of promoted agrochemicals among women farmers in Abia State, Nigeria. The study ascertained the extent of use of agrochemicals by women farmers and perceived effect of agrochemical use on agricultural production. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 180 respondents for the study. Data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics (T-test). The study revealed that though women had high level of access to agrochemicals, but there was low level of utilization of the agrochemicals. The respondents had positive perception (X=2.44) on the use of agrochemicals. The linear regression result showed that there was a significant relationship between access and use of agrochemicals at 5% level of probability. The study concluded that access to agrochemicals usually influence the extent of use of it. It was therefore recommended that that ADP should improve on their sensitization strategies to enable the woman farmers be more equipped with detailed information and access to promoted agrochemicals. ADP should keep encouraging women farmers and promote more effective agrochemicals at affordable rate and within reach.