Effect of Adoption of Ginger Production and Processing Technologies on Rural Households’ Productivity in Anambra and Enugu States

This study examined effect of adoption of ginger production and processing technologies on rural households’ productivity in Enugu and Anambra States. The study specifically described the socio-economic characteristics of ginger farmers and processors in the study area, assessed the level of utilization of ginger production and processing technologies, estimated the factors influencing rural households’ utilization of ginger production and processing technologies and determined the effect of utilization of ginger production and processing technologies on production and income. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting 192 farmers and processors from Anambra and Enugu States. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean and inferential statistics such as ordinary least squares regression and z-test. Majority of respondents were aware of most of the ginger production and processing technologies that were taken into consideration for this study, and they primarily obtained their information through ADP Extension personnel. In the study area, respondents had high level of use of ginger production technologies, but low level of use of ginger processing technologies. Age, marital status, extension contact, and income were factors influencing whether ginger production technologies were used, while factors influencing ginger processing technologies include; level of education, cooperative membership, processing experience, and extension contact. Following the use of ginger production and processing technologies, ginger farmers experienced a considerable increase in ginger productivity. Therefore, the study suggested that ADPs be strengthened to ensure that they successfully disseminate agricultural information and agricultural technologies developed should take into consideration the heterogeneity in the farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics.