Adoption of Improved Maize Production Technologies in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study examined the adoption of improved maize production technologies in Enugu State, Nigeria because of the rising price of maize occasioned by lagging supply as against growing demand for the product. It specifically described socio-economic statistics of the maize farmers, identified levels of adoption of improved maize production technologies, and ascertained the determinants of level of adoption of the technologies. Multistage and random sampling methods were used to select 250 respondents for the study. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Results showed male dominance (56.5%) of maize production, and highest level of adoption (80%) attained with use of hybrid maize seeds. Level of adoption was statistically and significantly determined by educational level, membership of social group, farm size and cost of technology and weakly influenced by gender, age, farming experience, household size and extension visit. Subsidization of the cost of inputs and provision of credit facilities would enable the farmers more access to improved technologies, enhanced productivity, and ensure enterprise sustainability.