Knowledge and Adoption of Grafting Techniques Among Vegetable Farmers in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria

Grafting is a precision horticultural technique used to combine the desirable traits of scion and rootstock plants, resulting in improved yield, disease resistance, and stress tolerance. In Nigeria's North Central zone, horticultural technology transfer remains limited, and the adoption of grafting among vegetable farmers in Kwara State is poorly documented. This study assesses the level of knowledge, adoption, and challenges associated with vegetable grafting techniques among tomato and pepper farmers in Ilorin, Kwara State. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 90 randomly selected vegetable farmers, supplemented by key informant interviews with horticulture extension agents. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. Results indicate that while most respondents had heard of grafting, less than 20 percent had practical knowledge of the procedure, and adoption was extremely low. Access to extension training, educational attainment, and membership in farmer cooperatives were identified as significant predictors of grafting knowledge. Lack of grafting materials, skilled trainers, and demonstration plots were the most cited constraints. The study recommends the establishment of demonstration farms for grafting techniques in Kwara State and the inclusion of grafting modules in agricultural extension training curricula. Keywords: grafting, vegetable farmers, technology adoption, Kwara State, extension service