Adoption and Commercialization of Pro-Vitamin A) Cassava Roots in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analyzed adoption and commercialization of pro-vitamin A cassava in Abia State, Nigeria. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaire from 90 purposively selected adopting cassava producers and processors. Descriptive statistics and econometric models including ordinary least squares regression, double hurdle model and principle component analysis (PCA) with Varimax rotation were used to analyze the objectives of this study using STATA 13.0. The parameter estimates of the double hurdle regression revealed that the coefficients of marital status, education, farmers and processors group and extension services were significant 5% level of probability and influenced the decision and intensity to adopt with education and marital status showing negative effects in the first level. Coefficients of farming experience and education were significant at 5% while age, and cost of planting material were significant all at 5% probability level with positive correlation to the commercialization of pro-vitamin A cassava variety in the second hurdle. Parameter estimates of the determinants of pro-vitamin A cassava commercialization reveals that education, quantity sold of fresh and quantity produced were significant and positively related to commercialization of pro-vitamin A cassava at 1%, level of significance, indicating a high demand in the study area.  The study revealed that few farmers have commercialized pro-vitamin A cassava and recommended appropriate commercial seed system, food value addition, legislation and adequate orientation as major vehicles to scale-up commercialization.