The Influence of Socio-Economic Variables of Farmers on their Choice of Cassava Varieties in Kogi State, Nigeria

This study examined the influence of socioeconomic variables of farmers on their choice of cassava varieties in Kogi State of Nigeria. A total of 360 cassava farmers were selected through multi-stage random sampling procedure. Data collected through structured questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics, customer-buying behavioral model and dynamic programming model. The results showed that TMS cassava variety (variety A) is more popular among the college-graduate farmers, farm experience of above 20years, farm size of 3–5hectares and farm income of N50,000-100,000. Similarly, the educational status of farmers, farm size, farming experience and farm income also influenced the choice NS variety (variety B) and local variety (variety C). The small scale farmers, illiterates and farmers with small farm income dominated the use of local variety. The study then recommends special credit scheme for small scale farmers and education of illiterate farmers on the advantages of using improved cassava variety.