Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2020)

The study assessed effects of Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP) on the performance of cassava farmer-beneficiaries in Edo State, Nigeria. The population of the study comprised all cassava farmers in Edo State that participated in RTEP. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 respondents for the study. Data were collected from primary source through the use of validated interview schedule. Analytical tools used were descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Findings show that the RTEP made best achievements in conduct of training/workshop on improved cassava production practices, followed by increase in cassava farmers’ yield and income. The cassava farmer-beneficiaries were fully involved in the programme’s activities such as multiplication of improved cassava varieties and distribution ( = 2.86), extension meetings and field visits ( = 2.81) and lectures organized by extension workers ( =2.77). Socio-economic variables such as age, sex, educational level, farming experience, membership of social organization, extension contact and annual income statistically and significantly influenced level of involvement in the RTEP activities at 5% level. Inadequate fund for start-off, delays in credit/agro-input disbursement, approval of work plans, budgets and procurements, inadequate programme group coverage and gender issue not addressed were major constraints to involvement of the farmers in RTEP. The need for timely and adequate supply of agro-inputs and credits at subsidized rate by the service providers was recommended. This would boost the capabilities of the farmers to start field operations timely, realize more profit, and achieve higher levels of involvement in the RTEP activities.