FARMERS’ PERCEPTION OF SIMPLE MECHANIZED FARM IMPLEMENTS USED IN CROP PRODUCTION IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Farmers’ Perception of simple mechanized farm implements (Knapsack Sprayer, Watering Can and Sickle) used in crop production in Abia State, Nigeria were analyzed in 2009. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 180 crop farmers. The probit regression model result showed that the critical determinants of farmers Perception include such attributes as labour saving advantage and improvement of product quality of Knapsack, which were significant at 5% probability level, while time saving advantage influenced the use of watering can at 5% risk level of probability. Also, attributes such as simplicity of implement and accessibility of implement encouraged farmers perception in the use of sickle at 5% and 1.0% level of probability respectively. It is therefore recommended that fabricators should produce implements that have the attributes of time and labour saving advantages.