Abstract
This study examined the knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) analysis of cassava chain optimization among medium-scale farmers in Rivers State. The theoretical framework adopted in the study was the diffusion of innovation theory. The research design for this study adopted a qualitative method, specifically utilizing email interviews to gather in-depth information from participants. The population for this study consists of medium-scale cassava farmers in Rivers State, Nigeria, who are involved in both cassava farming and processing activities, which stood at 257. A sample size of 10 medium-scale cassava farmers was selected to provide a manageable yet diverse pool of participants, offering insights into the varying degrees of knowledge and attitude toward modern farming techniques. The sampling technique employed was purposive sampling, where farmers who have been involved in cassava farming for at least five years and have a production capacity that qualifies them as medium-scale are chosen. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured email interviews. For data analysis, thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns and themes from the farmers’ responses. The qualitative data were coded and categorized based on recurring themes, such as barriers to adoption, knowledge gaps, and current practices. The findings revealed that the medium-scale cassava farmers in Rivers State possess moderate knowledge of cassava chain optimization, with a strong understanding of traditional farming techniques but limited awareness of advanced processing, storage, and value addition practices, largely due to inadequate access to training and modern agricultural resources. Based on the findings of the study established that while medium-scale cassava farmers in Rivers State have a basic understanding of cassava chain optimization, there are significant gaps in their knowledge of advanced techniques that could improve their overa
References
Abdul, A. (2019). Agricultural knowledge transfer in rural Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities. African Journal of Agricultural Science, 6(3), 45-56. Adeola, S. S., & Adebiyi, F. M. (2021). The role of agricultural extension services in cassava value chain optimization in Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 25(3), 345-360. Ajayi, A. (2018). Farmers’ perceptions and attitudes toward agricultural technology adoption in Nigeria. Journal of Rural Sociology, 45(1), 22-35. Akinbile, A., & Omoniyi, J. (2019). Optimizing the cassava value chain: Challenges and innovations. Nigerian Journal of Agriculture, 12(4), 112-124. Eze, S., & Ibe, K. (2020). Technological Adoption in Agriculture: Case of Medium-Scale Farmers in Nigeria. International Journal of Agribusiness, 8(2), 67-83. Eze, U. E., Nduka, O., & Okafor, A. (2022). Socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of improved cassava varieties in South-eastern Nigeria. Journal of Rural Development Studies, 12(2), 112-125. FAO. (2020). Cassava: A global perspective on production and demand. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. IITA. (2021). Cassava value chain development in Nigeria. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. Meijer, I., Hekkert, M., & Koppenjan, J. (2019). How perceived uncertainties influence transitions. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 145, 180-192. Nwankwo, O. (2020). Challenges in cassava production in Rivers State: An overview. Journal of Agricultural Extension and Development, 10(6), 201-211. Nwankwo, O. J., Chukwuma, M. O., & Amah, O. C. (2021). Environmental constraints to cassava production in Rivers State. Nigerian Journal of Environmental Studies, 18(4), 293-309. Nweke, F. I. (2020). The rising demand for cassava-based products in Sub-Saharan Africa. African Journal of Agricultural Economics, 7(1), 67-82. Obi, C., & Agwu, C. (2019). The role of perception in agricultural innovation adoption: A study of cassava farmers in Southeast Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Economics, 14(3), 34-48. Okoye, O. (2021). Cassava processing in Nigeria: A study on medium-scale farmers in Rivers State. African Journal of Agricultural Technology, 15(2), 102-115. Olawale, T., & Adeyemi, D. (2021). The importance of agricultural extension services for rural farmers in Nigeria. West African Journal of Extension, 9(1), 89-101. Onyeka, J. U., Ojiako, I. A., & Ogbu, M. M. (2022). Challenges and opportunities in cassava value chain development in Nigeria. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 17(1), 54-64. Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press. World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) studies: methodological considerations. World Health Organization.
