Adoption of Inorganic Fertilizer by Urban Crop Farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted between November, 2013 and April, 2014 in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria to empirically identify factors affecting the rate of adoption of chemical fertilizer by urban crop farmers. Through the multistage sampling procedure, 60 urban crop farmers were selected and interviewed with the aid of questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Tobit regression analysis. Results showed that the rate of chemical fertilizer adoption was positively and significantly related to land size, age, credit and education at (P<0.01) and (P<0.10) respectively, whereas average walking time to farm and soil fertility status were negatively and significantly related to fertilizer adoption and use intensity. This is an indication of the relevance of land, education and credit as determinants of technology adoption. It implies that the rate of adoption of fertilizer technology is strongly linked to these factors. Findings underscore the need to embark on market oriented interventions which will encourage urban farmers to adopt improved farming techniques as suitable policy decision. Enhancing human capital and availability of credit at lower cost are policy options that should be vigorously pursued.