Agricultural Science and Soil Sciences

The study evaluated the viability of improved cassava varieties in Moyamba and Bonthe districts of southern Sierra Leone. Root, tuber and grain legumes are mandated crops of Njala Agricultural Research center (NARC), a constituent of Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), charged with the mandate of developing and disseminating improved crop varieties within Sierra Leone. Among them, cassava appears to be prime crop, based on its utility among end-users. At regular intervals through research, feedback from farmers as to the extent of reachability and level of performance of the crop commodity will to a larger extent shape the researchers focus. To ascertain that, four hundred and fifty (450) cassava growers were selected based on population proportion in six chiefdoms in both Moyamba and Bonthe districts of southern Sierra Leone, using purposive and random sampling methods. Data were analyzed quantitatively, using descriptive statistic. Results revealed that there was weak (32.7%) extension contact with farmers. However, information through farmer-to-farmer method engenders farmers high knowledge and access to technology. It also shows that even though information regarding the other released varieties was scarce, farmers to a larger extent adopted the technology based on trialability and income generated (profit accrued) through sales of its products.
 

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