Effects of Social Capital on Adoption of Improved Technology and Productivity of Cassava Among Farmers Cooperative Societies in Osun State

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of the social capital on the adoption of improved technology, profitability and productivity among cassava farmers in Osun state. A Multistage sampling procedure was used to obtain information from 100 cassava farmers and the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, tobit, budgetary analysis and stochastic production function models. Results from the study showed an average cassava farmer was young, very active and smallholder in nature. Cassava farmers who participated in social capital network benefitted tremendously from their group because they made more profit and were more efficient than those who did not participate in any social network. The study concluded that cassava farmers who participated in social capital networks were more efficient that those who did not participate in any social network. The study therefore recommended that cassava farmers in the study area should be encourage to participate in social capital networks in order to improve their profit level and productivity. Also in order to promote and facilitate the rate and intensity of adoption of improved technologies among farmers, social capital and group networks should be considered as appropriate channels to introduce and train farmers for maximum impact.