AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION: ADOPTING SUSTAINABLE SOIL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AMONG RURAL FARMERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

¹Akalonu, Eberechi Chizoma ²Obiah Mmadubuike Emmanuel .U.

³Onyeagoro, Chidinma R. ⁴Duru, Lawreta .A., ⁵Okonya-Chukwu, Chinyere R.

^1,3,4,5Department of Agricultural Extension, Federal University of Technology, Owerri

²Department of Accountancy, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo

Email: madoxlimo@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This paper examined the current issues on adopting sustainable soil management practices among rural farmers in Imo State as a way of encouraging agricultural development innovation. The paper adopted qualitative research design to gain insight into the matters of agricultural development innovation in Imo State. The researchers used content analysis, therefore, the paper which is theoretical in outlook draws its debate basically from secondary data. Rogers diffusion of innovations was adopted in drawing out the theory that formed the foundation of this study. The study identified adopting innovations particularly in sustainable soil management practices among rural farmers as a prerequisite to agricultural development. The paper suggested that agricultural development innovations as the way out of the present economic doldrum in Nigeria.

Keywords: Development, Innovation, Sustainability, Soil Management, Rural Farmers.