Evaluating effectiveness and constraints of private sector agricultural extension services of the Green River Project in Imo and Rivers States, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Oil exploration operations decreased the cultivable lands of rural people in the study area, leading to the establishment of the Green River Project (GRP). This study assessed the effectiveness and constraints of private sector extension services of GRP in Imo and Rivers States, Nigeria. Objectives: To analyse the roles and effectiveness of, as well as constraints to, the GRP in the area. Method: A multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, chi square and t-test were used to analyse the data. Results: Roles of GRP in farming technologies dissemination included training of farmers on fish pond construction technique and maintenance of good pH levels. There was significant improvement in standard of living (X2 = 15.7; p ≤ 0.05) and size of production (t = 6.398; p ≤ 0.05) of the respondents after participation. In terms of the effectiveness of private sector deliveries on public policies, the programme had effect on beneficiaries’ access to credit, education of wards and poverty reduction. But it is worthy to note that the observed changes may not have been solely caused by the GRP, given that there could be many other factors affecting fish farming, either positively or negatively. Serious implementation constraints to effective performance of GRP included organisational, input and sustainability constraints. Conclusion: It was recommended that there should be timely provision of sufficient inputs to farmers and measures to improve organisation of private sector extension services in the area in order to enhance development.

South African National Climate Change Response Policy Sensitization: An Assessment of Smallholder Farmers in Amathole District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province

“…This complaint was buttressed by the urgent need felt by a large proportion of respondents (84.72%) to boost extension services on climate change issues. There is a need to feel the presence of extension services, particularly with regard to climate change information and knowledge provision, the shaping of farmers' attitudes towards climate change, the strengthening of farmers' coping and adaptation skills, and in aiding these farmers to make informed decisions [22]. According to Engle and Lemos [84], institutions are crucial determinants of adaptive aptitude and resilience; thus, institutional mechanisms are critical to awareness creation, education, and capacity building for resilience to climate change shocks and stresses amongst rural farming populations.…”

“…For the successful execution of its national response policy, the NCCRPWP proposes the involvement of multiple institutional actors and stakeholders or partners, one of which is the region's public agricultural extension system, viewed as a principal component for climate change sensitization, education, and capacity development [17]. The agricultural extension service is particularly significant in promoting rural development, as it serves as an empowerment tool for changing farmers' attitudes and boosting knowledge and capacity through effective agricultural information dissemination, communication, and education [21,22]. The agricultural extension service is charged with the provision of advisory or consultancy services.…”

How does Extension Education Contribute to Agricultural Development? Insights from Extension Education of Green River Project in Nigeria

“…The study was carried out in Imo and Rivers States Nigeria which are in Niger Delta region of the country. River State lies between longitude 6°50'E and 7.00°E and Latitude 4°45'N and 5.7°N [8]. The inland part of Rivers state consists of tropical rainforest towards the coast [8] and major characteristics of Niger Delta environment which include the many mangrove swamps.…”

“…River State lies between longitude 6°50'E and 7.00°E and Latitude 4°45'N and 5.7°N [8]. The inland part of Rivers state consists of tropical rainforest towards the coast [8] and major characteristics of Niger Delta environment which include the many mangrove swamps. Total annual rainfall decreases from about 4,700 mm on the coast to about 1,700 mm in extreme north of the State [10].…”

“…These areas are in the Niger Delta regions of Nigeria comprising: Imo, Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states. The goal of the project is to increase agricultural productivity and to prevent further deterioration of the soil through the use of better farming techniques; improve the income of farmers and make them more self-sufficient and increase the standard of living of rural families so as to reduce the flow of migrants to the towns [7,8]. To achieve these objectives, the technologies they have disseminated to the farmers over many years include the fish farm management technologies, feeding techniques, fish culture management techniques, pond water quality and quantity management and liming techniques [9].…”