Analysis of Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Promoted Agrochemical use Among Women Farmers In Abia State

Abstract

This study analyzed ADP-promoted agrochemicals applications among women farmers in Abia State through the examination of socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, their awareness of ADP-promoted agrochemicals and the extent of application of these chemicals. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 180 women farmers for the study. Data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequencies and mean scores and the hypothesis was tested using simple linear regression. From the result, the average age of the respondents was 50years, 36% had secondary education and their mean annual income was N100,455.60. Furthermore, 70% of the respondents were aware of the chemicals for the control of insect pests, 71% were aware of the chemicals for weed control when crops have emerged, 53.4% were aware of chemicals for the control of  weeds before planting while 68.9% were aware of the right fertilizer to use for their crop. The result also shows a low extent of utilization of the agrochemicals (x 1.94). Marital status, tenure system, farm size, level of education and extent of utilization of agrochemicals showed a significant relationship at a 5% level of probability. The study concluded that while awareness of the agrochemicals was high, the level of utilization was low. The study therefore recommends that extension agents should provide advisory services to women farmers on where to obtain the needed agrochemicals that are affordable. Also, ADP, The state government and other stakeholders should provide subsidized inputs to women farmers, especially in the COVID-19 era to boost food security and enhance healthy living.