Assessment of the Adoption Rate of Improved Sorghum Varieties Among Farmers in Adamawa State

Improved sorghum varieties developed by ICRISAT and IITA for North East Nigeria offer significant yield advantages over local cultivars, but their actual adoption rate and the factors influencing adoption in Adamawa State are not well documented, limiting targeted technology promotion efforts. This study assessed the adoption rate of improved sorghum varieties and associated factors in Mubi North, Yola North, and Song LGAs of Adamawa State, North East Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 120 sorghum farmers using multi-stage random sampling. A structured questionnaire assessed variety identity and source, adoption status, and the factors influencing or constraining adoption. Binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors of adoption. Results showed that improved variety adoption was 38.3 percent overall, below the MANR target of 55 percent. Key adoption drivers were access to extension services (OR 4.2, p < 0.01), higher educational attainment (OR 3.1, p < 0.05), and farm size above 1 hectare (OR 2.7, p < 0.05). Seed availability constraint was cited by 68.3 percent of non-adopters and high seed cost by 53.3 percent. Early drought tolerance and good grain colour were the most desired varietal traits. The study concludes that improved sorghum variety adoption in Adamawa State is constrained by seed system weaknesses and inadequate extension presence. Recommendations include community seed multiplication enterprises, input voucher schemes, and demonstration plot establishment in each LGA. Keywords: sorghum variety adoption, improved varieties, extension service, Adamawa State, North East Nigeria