The study examined farmers' knowledge of the role of extension services in Akwa-Ibom State. Specifically, the study examined socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers in the study area, ascertained level of farmer's knowledge on the role of agricultural extension in general agricultural development and also identified problems militating against farmers' knowledge of these roles in the state. Multistage sampling techniques were used in selecting 180 respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis while Probit regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The results show that the farmers had high knowledge in areas of role and information transfer through agricultural extension, while they had low knowledge in areas of effective implementation of knowledge and information gained. This has impeded the expected food security the nation hopes to attain through proper training and implementation of programs by farmers. However, major constraints limiting farmers' knowledge in agricultural extension are poor understanding and application of technologies (= 4.4) as well as irregular visit and supervision of farmers by extension agents (= 4.0). Probit regression analysis shows that extension contact (2.705), level of education (3.389), farm status (3.282), income (2.505) and membership of cooperatives (6.012) were positive and highly significantly related to the level of farmers' knowledge in the state. The study therefore recommends that knowledge of extension service should be brought closer to the farmers, through participatory extension approach under stable policy and sustainable institutional arrangement.
Purpose
This study aims to explore possible ways to promote uptake and integration of climate-smart agriculture (CSA)-Technologies, Innovations and Management Practices (TIMPS) into policy and practice in Nigeria through the development of actionable roadmaps to facilitate the process.
Design/methodology/approach
Two hundred and fifty-two stakeholders for the policy discourse and survey were purposively drawn from both government and private agencies, NGOs and community-based associations from the six geo-political zones of the country. Data collection was done using a mixed method comprising questionnaire administration, in-depth interviews and panel discussion. Data collected was summarised using descriptive statistics.
Findings
The major findings were lack of existing policies on CSA, lack of farmers’ awareness of CSA-TIMPs, neglect of extension programmes that can help to enlighten farmers on the importance of CSA and insufficient extension personnel to cater for farmers’ needs. Challenges to CSA-TIMPs uptake in Nigeria were: insufficient funding and support by government in programme planning and implementation, policy inconsistencies and poor farmers’ attitude and resistance to change.
Practical implications
This research will facilitate CSA uptake and integration through the provision of data for informed decision and action by the responsible agencies.
Originality/value
Suggested actionable roadmaps across the zones were robust awareness campaign and advocacy on uptake of CSA-TIMPs through e-extension, community TV/radio in local dialects; revitalisation of policy programmes such as monthly meetings should be reintroduced and creation of CSA Departments/Stations in each state; increased budget allocation to a minimum of 10% for agriculture, revitalisation of Researchers-Extension Agents-Farmers Linkage, employment of qualified extension agents and retraining of extension agents.
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