Determinants of modern technology adoption in multiple food crops in Nigeria: a multivariate probit approach

Farmers generally produce multiple crops while selectively adopting modern technologies in to meet various needs. The present study jointly determines the factors influencing to adopt modern technologies (i. e. , HYV seeds and/or fertilizers) in multiple food (i. e. , rice, yam and cassava) using a survey data of 400 farmers from Nigeria by a multivariate probit model. Model diagnostic reveals that the decisions to adopt technologies are significantly correlated, implying that univariate analysis of such are biased, thereby, justifying use of multivariate approach. Results reveal that68% of the farmers grew at least two food crops. Output price is an important determinant of adoption. Farming experience is positively associated with HYV adoption whereas of extension services is negatively associated. HYV technology adoption is higher for small farms whereas large farms use more fertilizers. Access to credit influences modern technology adoption. High profit is the main motive for modern technologies. Policy recommendations include investments in extension and credit services as well as measures to stabilise and/or improve output efficiency, e. g. , government procurement of outputs during harvest, grading and of food crops, reducing transaction costs of marketing and trade policies.