Factors Influencing the Adoption of Improved Cowpea Storage Technologies among Smallholder Farmers in Funa-Kaye Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cowpea is an important food and income-generating legume in northern Nigeria, but insect infestation during storage can substantially reduce grain quantity and quality. Improved storage technologies, particularly hermetic systems, offer an important pathway for reducing postharvest losses; however, adoption depends on farmers’ access to information, resources, and technologies that fit their circumstances. This study examined the adoption and choice of improved cowpea storage technologies and the factors associated with adoption among smallholder farmers in Funa-Kaye Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria. Data were collected in 2024 from 100 cowpea farmers selected from four wards Ashaka, Bajoga West, Bajoga East and Ribadu using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise farmers’ characteristics, storage practices and constraints, while multiple linear regression was used to examine factors associated with the reported adoption index. The results indicate that respondents were predominantly male (90%), 68% were below 50 years of age, and 92% had at least some formal education. Triple-layer bagging was the most preferred storage option (31.9%), followed by metal drums (24.5%) and airtight containers (20.2%). Extension approach, education, perceived simplicity of the innovation, availability of storage facilities, and knowledge of improved storage technologies were positively associated with adoption. Insufficient capital and inadequate infrastructure were the most frequently reported constraints. The findings suggest that expanding access to hermetic storage, strengthening extension and practical demonstrations, improving timely information delivery, and facilitating affordable finance could support safer and more effective cowpea storage in the study area.