Legume Genomics and Genetics 2015, Vol.6, No.6, 1-9
3
regression models (Idrisa et al., 2009; Ojiako et al.,
2007; Ouma et al., 2006). These studies failed to
address the sample selection problems from the use of
primary data. This study therefore employed the use
of the heckman selection model to address the
problem of selectivity bias. This study will
generate
useful information for development planners, policy
makers and practitioners on ways to increase adoption
of the improved soybean variety in order to meet the
objectives of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda
of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Against this background, the paper identifies the
factors affecting adoption and the effect of adoption of
improved soybean variety on productivity of farmers
in the study area.
The main objective of this study is to estimate the
effect of adoption of improved soybean variety on
productivity in Benue State, Nigeria.
Specific Objectives are to: (1) Estimate the profitability
of use of the improved soybean variety; (2) Determine
the determinants of adoption of improved soybean
variety; (3) Determine the effect of adoption on income
and yield.
1 Results and Discussion
1.1 Socio-economic characteristics of soybean farmers
Table 1 presents the socio-economic characteristics of
soybean farmers. Majority (77.9%) of the household
heads were male while female constituted only
(22.1%). About 35.6% are within the economic active
age of 20~39 years with mean age of 36
േ
10years,
implying that most of the respondents are in their
active years, capable of making good production
decisions and have potential for greater productivity.
They are married (72%) and with average household
size of 5
േ
3 members which is fairly large, implying
the existence of source of family labour. Sixty–three
percent were literate having at least secondary
education. This implies that most of the farmers are
educated and will be able to take better decisions
relating to adoption of innovation and application of
agronomic practices to increase production. Majority
(99.3%) had off farm income. Above half (58.1%)
reported they own land. This will likely affect their
choice of adoption of the technology. Majority (97%)
had 1-2 hectares farm size with mean of 1hectare.
Above half (56.6%) had above 7 years of farm
experience with mean of 9years. Above half (83.9%)
reported they had access to credit. Majority (82%) had
access to extension service as Onu (2006) opined that
farmers who had access to extension adopted improved
farming technologies and had a higher productivity
growth rate than those who had no access to extension
services. About 58% belong to a cooperative as this
avail the farmers the opportunity of not only obtaining
credit and agricultural inputs but also information on
how to improve his farming activities.
1.2 Awareness of improved soybean variety
Table 2 revealed TGX 1987-10F was the improved
soybean variety adopted in the study area with majority of
the farmers (95.2%) being aware of the variety while
only 4.8% were not aware.
1.3 Source of awareness about the improved soybean
variety
Table 3 presents the sources of awareness about
improved soybean variety. About 42.55% got their
information about improved soybean seed from
extension agents followed by 19.15% from friends
and neighbors, 25.53% through media (mainly radio),
while the least (12.77%) got the information from
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). This implies
that the extension agents are the main source of
technical information to farmers.
1.4 Profitability of improved soybean variety
The result shows that the average cost incurred on
labour was ₦177,091.29 per hectare and constituted
the highest proportion (61%) of the total cost of
production of the crop. This is in line with the work of
Ani et al. (2010) who found that average cost incurred
on hired labour constituted the highest proportion of
the average total costs of production of leguminous
crops in Benue State. It is therefore implies that labour
to a large extent determines the viability and
profitability of soybean production as shown in table 4.
The gross margin and the net revenue per hectare are
₦22,018.44k and ₦311,779.59k. However, based on
this finding, production of improved soybean variety
is profitable. The average rate of return per naira
invested was 0.07 implying that for every one naira
invested in soybean production, there is a profit of 7
kobo.
