Rural Cassava Farmers’ Agro-climatic Information Needs in Osun State Nigeria

Abstract

This research assessed the rural cassava farmers’ agro-climatic information needs in Osun State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 210 respondents. Data were analysed in percentage and mean. Results revealed that radio/television ( = 1.56) and personal experience with nature ( = 1.41) were the most frequent sources of agro-climatic information. Many (65.2%) displayed high knowledge of cassava agro-climatic issues. Three-quarters (75.00%) of the respondents were favourably disposed to agro-climatic information. Furthermore, sources of best climate change adaptive cassava varieties planting materials for the region ( =4.34) and appropriate timing for cassava planting to beat the adverse effect of climate change ( =4.19) topped the list of needed agro-climatic information. There is a significant relationship between age (r= 0.972), years of formal schooling (r= 0.073), perception (r= 0.854), and their agro-climatic information needs. It was concluded that sources of best climate change adaptive cassava varieties planting materials and appropriate timing for cassava planting were prominent needed agro-climatic information. Climatic change adaptive and mitigating measures that represent most of the agro-climatic information needs of cassava farmers should be provided by governmental and non-governmental agencies through the most frequent sources of agro-climatic information.

Keywords

• Agro-climatic information
• rural farmers
• cassava farming