Adoption of Improved Onion Production Technologies Among Farmers in Sokoto State

Onion (Allium cepa) production in Sokoto State is an economically vital enterprise, and the state accounts for a significant proportion of Nigeria's dry season onion output. Despite the availability of improved production technologies including improved varieties, drip irrigation, and integrated soil fertility management, adoption rates among smallholder farmers remain uneven. This study assesses the level of adoption and determinants of uptake of improved onion production technologies among farmers in three local government areas of Sokoto State. A survey of 130 randomly selected onion farmers was conducted using structured questionnaires. Technology adoption was measured using an adoption index, and a multiple regression model was used to determine significant predictors of adoption. Results indicate that adoption of improved varieties is relatively high (65%), while adoption of drip irrigation and precision fertilization is low (18% and 23%, respectively). Education level, access to credit, participation in farmer groups, and proximity to extension agents were identified as significant positive predictors of adoption. The study recommends strengthening farmer cooperative networks, increasing rural credit availability, and intensifying technology-specific demonstrations in Sokoto State to accelerate adoption of capital-intensive improved technologies among onion farmers. Keywords: technology adoption, onion, improved varieties, Sokoto State, extension