The determinants of technology adoption in cassava flake (gari) production: evidence from Nigeria

This study empirically analyzed the determinants of technology adoption in cassava flake (gari) production in Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to describe the socio- economic characteristics of gari producers and analyze the factors that affect the adoption of new technologies in the study area. We used a multi-stage sampling technique to estimate a sample size of 250 respondents. Data was collected from primary sources using well-structured questionnaires. We used both descriptive and inferential statistics for the data analysis. The main objective was to analyze using descriptive statistics and statistical tools such as means, frequencies, and percentages. Then, primary data was analyzed using the logistic regression model. Results of the study showed that the factors that contributed majorly to adopting cassava-processing improved technologies among the respondents include income, experience, household size, marital status, age, and education level. Specifically, the study revealed that with a 1% increase in respondent’s education level, income, marital status and farming experience, the probability of adoption of new cassava- processing technologies in the area increases by 4.6%, 3.6%, 2.1%, and 2.1% respectively; implying that these factors positively and significantly affect technology adoption in the study area. However, the results also showed that household size and the respondent’s age negatively and significantly affect the probability of new cassava-processing technology adoption, as a 1% increase in these variables decreases the probability of adoption by 2.4% and 2.3%, respectively. The study recommended that the government implement policies that can ease access to new technology for the respondents through investments in education and technical assistance, as such policies would help increase technology adoption in the area, amongst other recommendations. Keywords: cassava flakes; technology adoption; dual-purpose processor