Ministem multiplication technology selection skills need for improved cassava production in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study centered on perceived ministem multiplication selection skills need of farmers for improved cassava production in Akwa Ibom State, Nieria. Two specific objectives, two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study, using a descriptive survey research. The population of the study consist of 4543 registered farmers and extension agents with sample size of 428 which was randomly distributed within the ADP zones. The instrument titled Ministem Multiplication Technology Skills Need Questionnaire (MMTSNQ)” was face validated by three experts with reliability coefficient of 0.81 analyzed using Cronbach Alpha statistics. Mean statistics was used to answer the research questions while independent t-test analysis was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance respectively. Findings from the descriptive analysis of the study revealed that ministem multiplication stem selection skills and tools handling skills were needed by cassava farmers for improve cassava production in Akwa Ibom State. The study recommends that extension agents should train and retrain farmers on basic skills in selecting healthy, matured and improve cassava stems from the field for usage in ministem production to ensure quality cassava stem availability during planting season