NEW AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA: FOCUS ON ADOPTION OF STORAGE INTERVAL OF COWPEA IN MASHEGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA,

Abstract

The study examines the adoption of storage interval of cowpea in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State. To achieve the study objectives. 70 Cowpea farmers were randomly selected from seven villages. Data collected from the respondents were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Findings of the study revealed that 28.57% the respondents were in active age range of 21-30 years, while majority of the respondents 34.28% acquired primary education most of who are married 81.41%. The most widely used storage chemical in the area was phostoxin with 62.86% respondents, this was followed by actellic with 38.57% response. In addition, storage chemicals are also used to control mosquitoes. The findings indicated that most respondents did not adhere to the recommended storage intervals for actellic and decis chemicals. Agro-allied retailers ranked first 37.14% as the major sources of information for cowpea storage chemicals while extension agents ranked least with 7.15% response. Chi-square analyses showed significant relationship between adoption of storage interval and education level, marital status farming experience. Base on the findings, the study suggests the need for more farmer education that will increase awareness about the use of chemicals. To enhance adherence to recommended interval, farmers should be encourage to store their cowpea in community storage under the supervision of village extension agents.