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Effect of Extension Training on Farmers’ Knowledge of Cassava Stem Preservation

Abstract

Cassava is an important food and cash crop that contributes to household food security, income generation, employment, and rural livelihoods. The availability of healthy and viable cassava stems is essential for successful crop establishment and productivity because cassava is commonly propagated through stem cuttings. Poor preservation of cassava stems can result in moisture loss, reduced viability, pest damage, deterioration, and poor sprouting after planting. Extension training can provide farmers with relevant knowledge and practical skills for preserving cassava stems effectively and maintaining their quality until planting. This study will examine the effect of extension training on farmers’ knowledge of cassava stem preservation. It will assess farmers’ exposure to extension training and determine the extent to which such training influences their knowledge of appropriate cassava stem preservation practices. The study will also examine farmers’ sources of information on cassava stem management and identify the challenges affecting their access to extension training. The study will focus on farmers’ knowledge of selecting healthy stems, appropriate stem maturity, cutting and handling methods, protection from excessive heat and moisture loss, suitable storage locations, stacking methods, protection from pests and diseases, moisture maintenance, duration of preservation, and proper handling before planting. It will also consider farmers’ knowledge of identifying viable planting materials and maintaining stem quality during the period between harvesting and planting. Farmers’ participation in extension training, practical demonstrations, farm visits, and access to technical information will also be examined. A quantitative research approach will be adopted for the study. Data will be collected from cassava farmers using structured questionnaires designed to assess their exposure to extension training and knowledge of cassava stem preservation. The data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, knowledge-level assessment, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to determine the relationship between extension training and farmers’ knowledge of cassava stem preservation. The study is expected to reveal that farmers with greater exposure to extension training may demonstrate higher levels of knowledge of appropriate cassava stem preservation practices. Training and practical demonstrations may improve farmers’ understanding of stem selection, handling, storage conditions, moisture management, pest protection, and preservation duration. However, limited access to extension services, inadequate storage facilities, high labour requirements, lack of technical information, and limited availability of healthy planting materials may remain challenges affecting farmers’ knowledge. The study will be useful to cassava farmers, agricultural extension agents, farmer organisations, agricultural development agencies, policymakers, cassava development programmes, non-governmental organisations, and researchers. It may provide useful information for strengthening extension training programmes on cassava planting material management and improving farmers’ knowledge of stem preservation. The findings may also support efforts to maintain the quality of planting materials, improve crop establishment, reduce planting material losses, and enhance cassava productivity. The study concludes that extension training is important for improving farmers’ knowledge of cassava stem preservation and supporting the availability of quality planting materials. It is therefore recommended that agricultural extension agencies provide regular and practical training, demonstrations, and advisory services on cassava stem selection, handling, storage, and preservation. Farmers should also be encouraged to participate actively in extension programmes and adopt appropriate preservation techniques to maintain stem viability and improve cassava production.

Keywords: Extension training, farmers’ knowledge, cassava stem preservation, cassava farmers, planting materials, cassava production, agricultural extension, stem selection, stem storage, stem viability, pest protection, moisture management, crop establishment, agricultural training, cassava management.