Research on World Agricultural Economy

Peer Learning and Technology Adoption in Cashew Nut Production: Evidence from APPEALS Cluster Farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria

Stella Ojone Adejoh

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University, Lafia

Patrick Emmanuel Adejo

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Nigeria.

Saliu Jamiu Olusola

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Nigeria.

Odekina Menyaga Umar

Agro-Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project, Kogi State Coordinating Office, Lokoja

Eneojo Adega Samuel

Agro-Processing Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project, Kogi State Coordinating Office, Lokoja

Eleojo Grace Adejo

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Nigeria

Gbenga Opeyemi

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Nigeria

Ufedo Monday SHAIBU

University of Ghana

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i4.1839

Received: 11 March 2025; Published: 19 November 2025

Abstract

In the context of increasing global demand for cashews and the need for sustainable agricultural innovation, this study examines how peer learning facilitates the adoption and diffusion of cashew production technologies among farmers within a World Bank‑supported Nigeria Agro Processing, Productivity Enhancement, and Livelihood Support (APPEALS) project. A cluster sampling technique was used to select 180 cashew nut farmers. A questionnaire, direct interviews, records from focus group discussions, and field trips were used to collect data. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Tobit regression model. Results showed that there was active participation in the sharing and exchange of ideas, technologies, information, and innovations among farmers through one‑on‑one contact with fellow farmers, technical advisory/extension visits by the APPEALS team, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and field trips and demonstrations. Most of the technologies, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), fire terracing, nursery preparation techniques, and marketing, were at the interest, trial, and adoption stages, except for the soil sampling technique, which was at the awareness stage. Education, farming experience, marital status, and household size significantly influenced the probability of intensifying the adoption of cashew production technologies. It is recommended that efforts should be made to strengthen the adoption of technologies.

Keywords: APPEALS, Adoption Intensity, Cashew Nuts, Education, FGD, Peer Learning

References