Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a major crop in the farming system in Nigeria and it is a main or regular source of income for most rural dwellers. Despite its substantial contributions to the livelihood of the populace, the crop has remained in obscurity and neglect. Thus, the study examined farmer’s perception, preference and adoption of Cassava variety traits in Oyo State, Nigeria. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 10 respondents from 12 locations in each of the Six Local Governments Areas (How many LGA’s has the state and how did you come about choosing the six?), with a sample size of 120. Structured questionnaires and scheduled interviews were used to obtain information from the respondents through 4 points Linker type Scale. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and weighted mean. The results showed that farmers perception indicated that new cassava variety traits were better than old ones ( =3.05); the most preferred variety being cultivated by farmers was IBA 961632 (farmers’ pride =2.64), and IITA-TMS 1982132 ( =2.58). Resistance to drought ( =3.06), vitamin ‘A’ content ( =2.64), pests and diseases resistant ( =2.54) are factors that influenced the preference of the variety traits while change of income ( =2.64) and improvement on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ( =2.55) are reasons for the adoption. It is recommended that famers should be encouraged to adopt the improved cassava varieties, while the Government should educate farmers on good cassava farming practices, produce stem cuttings for replanting and expand markets for cassava production.