Estonian Academic Agricultural Society Agraarteadus 2228-4893 27 2 2016 12 20 Binary probit estimation of factors affecting pesticide adoption for the control of yam tuber beetles in delta state, Nigeria 83 91 EN Odjuvwuederhie E. Inoni Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria Francis O. Tobih Department of Agronomy, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria David E. Idoge Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria Yam is a major staple food crop with significant impact on the food security, income generation and employment creation for the various participants in the yam value-chain in Nigeria. However, pest infestation by yam beetles poses serious production constraint to farmers resulting in over 50% of yield losses. Many farmers have adopted the use of pesticides such as chlorpyriphos. pirimiphos-methyl and deltamethrin to control yam beetles and boost output. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine factors that affect pesticide adoption for control of yam beetles in Oshimili Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from a cross-section of 159 yam farmers including 79 adopters and 80 non-adopters of pesticides, drawn from 6 communities with the aid of questionnaire. t-test and binary probit were employed to analyse the data. The choice of the probit model is due to the qualitative nature of the dependent variable (pesticide adoption). Results of t-test revealed that significant (p < 0.01) differences existed in age, years of formal education, number of adults per household, farm income and farm size between adopters and non-adopters. The probit model had a good fit with significant LR ratio, 106.67 (p < 0.001); a McFadden R² of 0.48 with 84.9% of cases correctly predicted. The results also showed that age, years of education, adults per household, farming experience, farm income, access to credit, extension contact as well as training on pesticide application all had significant influence on adoption decision. While the impact of age on the probability of technology adoption was negative, all other variables exerted positive effects. The authors recommended that improved access to farm credit, efficient and effective extension service delivery system and on-farm training on pesticide handling and application be intensified to reduce beetles attack, boost yam yield and improve food security of farming households.