Authors : I.O. Nneoyi , M.N. Henry , A.M. Walter and E.E. Ebingha
Abstract: Extension Teaching involves the use of groups approaches in disseminating and training of farmers. The approach is highly promoted and is gaining increasing awareness among development experts in developing countries. The study, therefore is attempt to anlyse the influence of group dynamics on the use of cassava production technologies among female farmers in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The study reveals a high propensity for female farmers in group activities both with little or no leadership roles ascribed to them. The study also identified the types of female groups to include; co-operatives (90%), Age Grades (23.75%), social clubs (90%), Religious groups (85%), forum leadership (20%), women in Agriculture (23.75%) and Agric extension committees (11.25%). The membership of these associations (groups) shows that social/Religious groups ranked the highest (90%) while age-grades (23.75%) village council (18.75) Forum Leadership (20%) are relatively few. At the same time, agriculturally-oriented groups are relatively few in number, while social clubs and religious organizations are increasingly very high. The relationship between female farmers groups and the use of cassava technologies showed a positive but negligible and significant relationships. By implication, female groups are avenues, through which cassava innovations could be widely adopted by farmers despite that female groups have not been adequately streamlined within existing institutions. The study, therefore, recommends the identification, formation and training of female groups as instruments of growth.
I.O. Nneoyi , M.N. Henry , A.M. Walter and E.E. Ebingha , 2008. Group Dynamics and Technology Use among Female Cassava Farmers in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 3: 292-298.