ADOPTION OF NEW FARMING TECHNIQUES IN GURARA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE: A PROBIT APPLICATION

The study examined the analysis of institutional actors on adoption of new farming techniques in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. A multistage sampling technique was used and a total of eighty (80)) respondents formed the sample frame. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources, descriptive statistics, regression analysis and probit model were used to analyse the data. Result revealed that 73.75% of the respondents were male; mean age was 42.94% years. The result revealed extension services, income of the farmer, access to irrigation facilities, access to research and development and farm structure were the institutional factors available in the study area. Problems revealed were mainly inadequate credit facilities, Problem of land tenure system, lack of good road network, insufficient storage facilities, late supply of fertilizer and it application and high cost of agro-chemical. The probit analysis revealed that extension services, income, and access to irrigation facilities were the significant institutional factors that influenced the adoption of new farming techniques. It was thus recommended that farmers should form co-operative bodies to enable them benefit from collective bargaining of inputs especially fertilizer. The Local Government should construct feeder road network across the area ease transportation, and the establishment of storage facilities.