Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Cowpea Varieties in Kano State

This study examines the socioeconomic factors affecting the adoption of improved cowpea varieties among farmers in Kano State, North West Nigeria. Cowpea is a critical legume crop providing affordable protein for millions of northern Nigerians and generating significant income for smallholder farmers. Improved varieties developed by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture offer superior yields, pest resistance, and marketability, but adoption has lagged behind potential. This study uses a survey design, collecting data from 210 cowpea farmers in Bunkure, Wudil, and Garun Mallam local government areas. Adoption of improved varieties is measured by proportion of farm area planted to IITA-released varieties. Socioeconomic determinants assessed include age, education, farm size, access to credit, extension contact, and market access. Probit regression is applied. Findings reveal that 44 percent of sampled farmers have adopted at least one improved cowpea variety. Education level, extension contact, and proximity to markets where improved varieties command premium prices are significant positive adoption predictors. Older farmers and those with smaller farm sizes show lower adoption probability. Seed cost and varietal availability in local markets are the most frequently cited adoption barriers. The study concludes that extension intensification and seed system strengthening are the priority interventions for improving improved cowpea adoption in Kano State. It recommends ADP seed multiplication and distribution programmes specifically for IITA improved varieties.

Keywords: cowpea, improved varieties, adoption, Kano State, socioeconomic factors.