Awareness and Utilization of Improved Plantain Production Technologies in combating Food Insecurity among Plantain Household Farmers in Abia State

Abstract

The study assessed the awareness and utilization of improved plantain production technologies for combating food insecurity among plantain household farmers in Abia State. Random sampling technique was used to select 60 respondents. Structure questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages and means. Results of the study showed that a good proportion (56.7%) of the respondents had their plantain located in the field mainly for commercial purpose (78.3%), got their planting materials from proceedings of previous owned farm (58.3%), had 100 – 200 number of stands planted and made up to N80,000.00 – N110,000.00 and above per annum. The major technologies aware and utilized by the respondents were weeding (application of herbicides – 98.3%), Pruning – (66.7%) and Desuckering, (2-3 stands) (66.7%) respectively while others were in negligence. The respondents’ sources of information were mainly fellow farmers (95%) and friends/relatives (83.3%). However, the respondents’ level of awareness on improved technologies was low (44.2%). Hence the study recommends that the extension agents should intensify the awareness level of these technologies especially the neglected technologies and back it up with demonstration and fellow-up for proper utilization of the technologies.