ADOPTION OF OBA 98 MAIZE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG FARMERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

ADOPTION OF OBA 98 MAIZE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG FARMERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The study examined the adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies among farmers in Delta State, Nigeria, with emphasis on the extent of adoption, sources of agricultural information, determinants of technology uptake, and constraints affecting adoption. The increasing demand for maize as a staple food, livestock feed, and industrial raw material has intensified the need for improved maize production technologies capable of enhancing productivity and ensuring food security. Despite the introduction of Oba 98 maize variety, adoption among smallholder farmers remains inconsistent, thereby limiting the realization of its full economic and agronomic potential.

A multistage sampling procedure was adopted in selecting 120 maize farmers from six major maize-producing Local Government Areas in Delta State. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while multiple regression analysis was employed to determine factors influencing adoption.

The findings revealed that radio, extension agents, farmers’ associations, and fellow farmers constituted the major sources of information on Oba 98 maize technologies. The technologies most widely adopted included recommended planting spacing, application of post-emergence herbicides, and the use of insecticides for pest management. Annual income from maize production significantly influenced farmers’ adoption decisions. Major constraints affecting adoption included inadequate access to institutional credit, weak extension services, poor rural infrastructure, scarcity and high cost of farm inputs, limited access to reliable market information, and insufficient knowledge of the technologies.

The study concluded that although Oba 98 maize technologies possess substantial potential for improving maize productivity and rural livelihoods, several socio-economic and institutional barriers continue to hinder widespread adoption. The study recommended strengthening agricultural extension systems, improving farmers’ access to affordable credit facilities, promoting cooperative societies, subsidizing farm inputs, and enhancing rural infrastructure to facilitate sustainable maize production and increased adoption of improved technologies in Delta State.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Abstract

Table of Contents

List of Tables

List of Figures

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

1.2 Statement of the Problem

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.4 Research Hypothesis

1.5 Significance of the Study

1.6 Scope of the Study

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Concept and Importance of Maize Production

2.2 Maize Production Trends in Nigeria

2.3 Improved Maize Varieties and Technologies

2.4 Agricultural Technology Adoption among Farmers

2.5 Sources of Agricultural Information and Technology Dissemination

2.6 Constraints to Adoption of Agricultural Innovations

2.7 Theoretical Framework

2.8 Empirical Review

2.9 Conceptual Framework

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Study Area

3.2 Population of the Study

3.3 Sampling Procedure and Sample Size

3.4 Instrument for Data Collection

3.5 Measurement of Variables

3.6 Data Analysis Techniques

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Socio-economic Characteristics of Respondents

4.2 Sources of Information on Oba 98 Maize Technologies

4.3 Extent of Adoption of Oba 98 Maize Technologies

4.4 Factors Influencing Adoption

4.5 Constraints to Adoption of Oba 98 Technologies

4.6 Discussion of Findings

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of Findings

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Recommendations

References

Appendices

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Agriculture remains a critical sector in Nigeria’s economy due to its contribution to employment generation, food security, poverty reduction, and rural development. Despite the expansion of the petroleum sector, agriculture continues to sustain the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, particularly those residing in rural communities (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2021). Among the major cereal crops cultivated in Nigeria, maize (Zea mays L.) occupies a strategic position because of its versatility, adaptability, and economic importance.

Maize is one of the most widely cultivated cereal crops globally and serves as an essential source of food, feed, and industrial raw materials. According to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA, 2020), maize contributes significantly to household nutrition due to its high carbohydrate content and nutritional value. In Nigeria, maize is consumed in various forms and serves as a staple food for both rural and urban households. Additionally, it is extensively utilized in the livestock, brewing, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries.

Over the past decades, maize production in Nigeria has increased substantially due to rising population growth, changing dietary preferences, and increasing industrial demand. However, domestic maize production has remained inadequate to meet national consumption needs because of low productivity among smallholder farmers. The low productivity has been attributed to poor access to improved technologies, declining soil fertility, limited extension services, pest and disease infestation, inadequate farm inputs, and weak rural infrastructure (FMARD, 2020).

To address the persistent decline in agricultural productivity, several national and international agricultural research institutions have developed improved maize varieties aimed at increasing yield, improving disease resistance, and enhancing farmers’ income. These institutions include the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI), Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), and National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS). Their efforts have resulted in the development of several improved maize varieties such as Oba Super 1, Oba Super 2, Oba 98, and Oba Super 5.

Among these improved varieties, Oba 98 maize has gained attention due to its high-yielding potential, resistance to major pests and diseases, adaptability to different agro-ecological zones, and tolerance to adverse climatic conditions. Oba 98 maize variety was officially introduced to farmers in Delta State following on-farm demonstrations conducted by agricultural extension agencies and seed companies. The variety was developed to improve maize productivity and support Nigeria’s food security agenda through enhanced agricultural innovation dissemination.

Agricultural technology adoption plays a fundamental role in improving agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. According to Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory (2003), adoption is the process through which individuals decide to accept and use innovations after evaluating their relative advantages. The adoption of improved technologies such as Oba 98 maize depends on several socio-economic, institutional, and environmental factors including access to information, extension services, education, farm size, income level, and access to credit facilities.

Although improved maize technologies have demonstrated substantial productivity advantages over local varieties, adoption among rural farmers in many parts of Nigeria remains relatively low. In Delta State, maize farmers continue to face several challenges that limit the effective use of improved technologies. These challenges include inadequate awareness, poor extension contact, high cost of improved seeds, limited access to finance, poor transportation networks, and inadequate market opportunities.

Furthermore, climate variability, rising production costs, and declining soil fertility have increased the vulnerability of smallholder maize farmers. Consequently, there is an urgent need to assess the level of adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies and identify the major factors influencing farmers’ decisions to adopt or reject the technologies. Understanding these dynamics is essential for designing effective agricultural policies, extension strategies, and rural development interventions capable of enhancing maize productivity and improving household food security.

Against this background, this study seeks to examine the adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies among farmers in Delta State, Nigeria, with a view to providing empirical evidence that can support agricultural technology dissemination, policy formulation, and sustainable maize production.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Maize production is essential to Nigeria’s agricultural economy because it contributes significantly to food supply, employment generation, and industrial development. Despite the importance of maize and the introduction of improved varieties such as Oba 98, maize productivity among smallholder farmers in Delta State remains relatively low compared to global standards. This low productivity has continued to threaten food security, reduce farm income, and increase dependence on food imports.

Several improved maize production technologies have been introduced by research institutes and agricultural agencies to improve productivity and address the limitations associated with traditional farming practices. These technologies include improved seed varieties, recommended planting spacing, herbicide application, pest and disease management techniques, and post-harvest handling practices. However, the extent to which these technologies have been adopted by farmers remains uncertain.

Evidence from previous studies suggests that many smallholder farmers still rely heavily on traditional maize production practices characterized by low yields, poor soil management, and limited use of improved inputs. Factors such as inadequate extension services, poor access to credit, weak rural infrastructure, limited technical knowledge, and high cost of inputs have continued to hinder effective adoption of agricultural innovations (World Bank, 2021).

In Delta State, fluctuations in maize output and declining productivity indicate that the adoption of improved technologies may not have achieved the desired impact. Although Oba 98 maize variety was introduced to improve yield and disease resistance, many farmers appear unable to fully utilize the technology package associated with the variety. Consequently, the expected increase in maize production and rural income has not been fully realized.

Furthermore, there is limited empirical information regarding the current adoption status of Oba 98 maize technologies among farmers in Delta State. Existing studies have focused largely on maize production generally, with little attention paid to the socio-economic and institutional factors specifically influencing the adoption of Oba 98 technologies.

This situation raises important questions: What are the major sources of information available to farmers on Oba 98 maize technologies? To what extent have farmers adopted the recommended production technologies? Which socio-economic factors significantly influence adoption? What constraints hinder effective utilization of the technologies among maize farmers?

It is against this backdrop that this study was undertaken to assess the adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies among farmers in Delta State, Nigeria.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of this study was to assess the adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies among farmers in Delta State, Nigeria.

The specific objectives were to:

identify the major sources of information on Oba 98 maize production technologies among farmers;

determine the extent of adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies;

examine the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies; and

identify the constraints affecting the adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies among farmers.

1.4 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypothesis guided the study:

H?: There is no significant relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of farmers and the adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies in Delta State.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will be beneficial to several stakeholders within the agricultural sector. The study will provide useful information to agricultural researchers and institutions such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), NCRI, and NAERLS regarding the adoption behavior of farmers toward improved maize technologies. This will assist in improving future research and technology development initiatives.

Extension agencies and development practitioners will benefit from the findings by understanding the major barriers affecting technology dissemination and adoption among maize farmers. The study will also guide the design of more effective extension strategies capable of improving farmers’ access to agricultural innovations.

Policy makers will find the study valuable in designing evidence-based agricultural policies aimed at promoting food security, improving rural livelihoods, and increasing maize productivity. Insights from the study may also support interventions targeted at improving rural infrastructure, credit accessibility, and input distribution systems.

The study will further benefit farmers by highlighting practical challenges affecting the use of improved maize technologies and identifying strategies for enhancing adoption. Increased adoption of improved maize technologies has the potential to improve farm productivity, household income, and food availability.

Finally, the study will contribute to academic literature on agricultural technology adoption and serve as a reference material for students and researchers interested in agricultural extension, rural development, and innovation diffusion studies.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focused on the adoption of Oba 98 maize production technologies among farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. The research examined farmers’ sources of information, extent of adoption, factors influencing adoption, and constraints affecting the utilization of the technologies.

The study covered selected maize-producing Local Government Areas in Delta State where Oba 98 maize technologies have been promoted through agricultural extension activities and farmer demonstrations.

References

Food and Agriculture Organization (2021). FAOSTAT Statistical Database. Rome: FAO.

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (2020). Maize Production and Improvement in Nigeria. Ibadan: IITA.

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD). (2020). National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy. Abuja: FMARD.

Menkir, A., & Akintunde, A. (2001). Evaluation of the performance of maize varieties in Nigeria. African Crop Science Journal, 9(3), 345–356.

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations (5th ed.). New York: Free Press.

World Bank. (2021). Agricultural Productivity and Technology Adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa. Washington, DC: World Bank.