A STUDY OF SOCIO - ECONOMIC FACTORS AFFECTING ADOPTION OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATIONS AMONG FARMERS IN RENK AREA, UPPER NILE STATE, SUDAN

Abstract

This study was conducted as a contribution toward the solution of agricultural problems and as an attempt to show out the elements which can be used for developing a strategy for effective extension work, based on study of the role of socio-economic factors which affect the adoption of innovations in Renk Area. A random sample of 50 representative farmers was selected in the study area for the purpose of collection of primary data for the study. The methods used for testing the hypotheses of the study included the following: - Tabular analysis, intercorelation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. The tabular analysis results revealed that, family members and neighbours play a significant role in decision making concerning adoption of innovations among farmers in the Renk region. The intercorrelation analysis results revealed that, there is positive relationship between adoption of innovations and education. And there is no significant correlation between adoption of innovations and marketing, transportation and production credits. The multiple regression analysis revealed that, there is significant positive effect on adoption of innovations from education, farm size and family size. And there is significant positive indirect effect on adoption of innovation from age and production credits. The economical factors affecting adoption of innovations according to the results of this study, were mostly based on the relative advantages of the innovations. According to the results, the study recommends the following:- The content of agricultural extension programmes to the area should be directed to bring about changes in attitudes and practices. The relative advantages of the innovations, should be put into consideration, when introducing new innovations in the area. v The role of extension services, should be reactivated in the area, establishment of a strong agricultural basic structure (infrastructure) and establishment of research centres in the region.