Economic impact and determinants of adoption of improved maize production technologies

The problem of what production technologies to adopt, and the degree to which farm operations should be improved for attainment of optimum economic benefit have remained undetermined. This study analysed the economics and determinants of adoption of the improved maize (Zea mays) production technology package in Oyo State of Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select one hundred and twenty maize producing farmers for the study in 2016. Data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive statistics and adoption index, regression analysis and the standard enterprise budgetary analysis. Results from the regression analysis showed that variables such as sex, farming experience, years of education, extension visits, and level of awareness of the technologies had a significant and positive influence on the adoption of improved maize technologies in the study area. Findings from the budgetary analysis revealed that improved maize production technology adopters made N438,367.23 compared to N374,426.44 profits per hectare of maize produced by the non-adopters during the year of survey. The results further revealed that on every naira invested in maize production, the adopters were able to make N7.64 in return compared to N6.00 returns by the non-adopters. There is the need for an increase in awareness of maize production technologies among the farmers, through the extension agents and social networks in order to increase the level of adoption of maize technologies. nema