Innovation system approach to technology transfer and outreach in Adamawa state, Nigeria

Abstract

In this survey study, innovation system approach to technology and outreach was carried out in Adamawa state. Specifically, livestock technology transfer, technologies introduced to respondents and technologies most preferred by respondents in the innovation system were determined. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 300 respondents (cattle marketers) in three major cattle markets of the State (Mubi, Ganye and Song) and a focus group discussion (FGD) with 45 actors was conducted in the same location where the markets were sited. Respondents were selected using purposive and multistage random sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics (tables, frequencies, percentages and ranks) were used as tools of analysis. Results revealed that majority of the technology in the system were transferred via extension contact (99.3%) which was closely followed by research institutes with 98.6%. Furthermore, modern transportation technology using large trucks divided into compartments and layers, exchange of information using ICTs, veterinary inspection and collaboration with other actors were the technologies introduced to respondents in the recent past. Others include, livestock sanitary practices, new market outlets and marketing standards. The result further reveals that modern transportation, veterinary inspection, use of ICTs and networking/collaboration with other actors were the most patronized and preferred technologies with 72.0%, 70.2%, 69.9% and 67.7% respectively, these were ranked 1^st to 4^th. It was recommended that major actors (extension agents, research institutes and cattle marketers association) should strengthen their linkage and collaborate more so as to transfer technology even faster than it is currently obtained.