Perceptions of Constraints Affecting Adoption of Women-in-Agriculture Programme Technologies in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

The study focused on constraints affecting the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies disseminated by the Women-in-Agriculture (WIA) unit of the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) to its women clientele. The study also ascertained the awareness and adoption levels of such introduced technologies. Findings revealed that respondents were aware of 61.9% of introduced technologies, while only 33.3% were fully adopted. The study also identified seven factors responsible for the non-adoption of women farmers’ related technologies. The three highest ranking constraining factors were revealed as; high cost of inputs, low income level of women farmers and lack of regular contact with WIA extension agents. Reasons have been proffered for the relatively low technologies’ adoption levels. Recommendations have also been made to enhance the technology adoption level. These include the necessity to introduce only socio- economically and culturally compatible technologies to WIA clientele, a wholesale focus on follow-up activities after initial group based technology introduction activities, and the attachment of a credit scheme to the WIA program.