Assessment of Factors Influencing Adoption of Improved Sorghum Varieties Among Farmers in Gombe State, North East Nigeria

Sorghum is a vital food security crop in North East Nigeria, and the release of improved varieties by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics has created new opportunities for productivity growth. In Gombe State, however, adoption of improved sorghum varieties remains below potential, and the factors limiting adoption have not been systematically investigated. This study assessed factors influencing adoption of improved sorghum varieties among farmers in Gombe State. A structured questionnaire was administered to 98 farmers selected through random sampling from three local government areas. Data collected covered varietal awareness, trial experience, farm characteristics, and socioeconomic indicators. Logistic regression was used to identify adoption determinants. Results revealed that farmer education, extension contact frequency, access to certified seed outlets, and participation in demonstration plots were positive and statistically significant adoption predictors. Perceived drought tolerance and grain quality attributes were the varietal characteristics most cited by adopters as adoption motivations. Distance to extension offices and high seed prices were the primary barriers among non-adopters. The study recommends expanding community-level seed distribution networks and intensifying demonstration plot coverage in Gombe State. Extension messages should emphasise the drought-tolerant performance attributes of improved sorghum varieties to increase farmer confidence in adoption. Keywords: sorghum, improved varieties, adoption, Gombe State, extension services.