Risk analysis in innovation system: a case - study of production of Vitamin A cassava variety among farmers in Nigeria

Every innovation is targeted towards adoption; a process which involves several levels of risks. Bio-fortified Vitamin A cassava variety is an innovation targeted not only to solve the yield of farmers but to increase the nutritional intake of Nigerian household. The research specifically seeks to investigate; the risks involved in the adoption of vitamin A cassava variety; the risk attitude of cassava farmers; and the factors that affect farmers risk attitude to the production of vitamin A cassava. 4-stage random sampling procedure was used to primarily select 240 farmers; descriptive statistics, Likert scale, Safety first utility approach and ordinary least square regression model were the tool of analysis. The study revealed that risks involved in adoption of the cassava variety include animal invasion, price fluctuation, and poor storage facilities. Majority of the farmers 88.3% are risk neutral, only 16% are risk takers; it also revealed that age, income from other activities and estimated annual income are the determinants of risk attitude. It is therefore recommended that; effort should be geared toward making adequate vitamin A bio-fortified cassava varieties available to young farmers; grazing reserved should be provided to reduce the risk and effort should be intensified to reduce price volatility for improved products