ABSTRACTThis study analysed the adoption of recommended agrochemical practices (RAPs) among crop farmers in Kaduna and Ondo States of Nigeria. A total of 260 crop farmers who had sustained the use of agrochemicals for at least five years were selected for the study by using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected by using a structured, pretested interview schedule. Descriptive statistics (mean and percentages) and inferential statistics (Multiple regression and Z-test) were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that majority (93%) of the crop farmers were male with about 25 years of farming experience, and belonged to more than one association. The mean age of crop farmers was 44 (for Kaduna) and 51 (for Ondo), while the mean farm size was 3.01 and 4.08, respectively. Extension visit to crop farmers recorded a mean of 9 and 12 per annum in Kaduna and Ondo States, respectively. Also, majority (62.7%) of the crop farmers perceived that the efficacy of agrochemical was fair. Similarly, many (43.5%) perceived agrochemical as inaccessible. The results obtained revealed that crop farmers had high level of knowledge (M=2.12 and 2.16 in Kaduna and Ondo State, respectively) of RAPs while the level of adoption was low (M=1.43 and 1.66 in Kaduna and Ondo State, respectively).Non-adoption of RAPs had negative consequences on human safety (53.5%), and the environment (84.2%) of respondents in the two States. The most statistically influential socio-economic variables on adoption of RAPs in order of importance were level of education (0.058, P<0.05), farming experience (0.017, P<0.05), social participation (0.806, P<0.10) and cosmopoliteness (0.057, P<0.10) in Kaduna State. For Ondo State, the variables were level of education (0.015, P<0.01), farming experience (0.032, P<0.05), social participation (0.300, P<0.01), and cosmopoliteness (0.004, P<0.05). The most important institutional factors on adoption of RAPs were access to training (0.103, P<0.01) and accessibility of agrochemicals (0.113, P<0.10) in Kaduna State. Similarly, in Ondo State, the variables were access to training (0.113, P<0.05) and accessibility of agrochemicals (0.022, P<0.05).The most important technological factors on adoption of RAPs were observability (0.081, P<0.1), complexity ((-0.043, P<0.05) and compatibility (0.060, P<0.05) in Kaduna State. For Ondo State, the variables were observability (0.092, P<0.01), complexity (-0.043, P<0.05), and compatibility (0.004, P<0.05).There were significant differences in the yield, output as well as income, and adoption of RAPs between the two States. Most serious constraints to adoption of RAPs were adulteration (94.2%) high cost of agrochemicals (93.1%), and inadequate technical know-how (91.2%). This study concluded that despite high level of knowledge of RAPs, there was low level of adoption among farmers, which was caused by inadequate skill and nonchalant attitude about the health implications of no-adoption of RAPs. This study therefore, recommends that regular training on the use of agrochemicals should be organized for farmers by extension agencies in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Public orientation using the media and other public enlightenment strategies in order to engender attitudinal change among crop farmers should be pursued by extension agencies. In order to prevent adulteration, fake and banned agrochemicals, the regulatory policies should be revised and adequately enforced
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