Farmers knowledge of the role of extension services in Akwa-Ibom State Nigeria

Abstract

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.

Farmers’ Adaptation to Covid-19 Pandemic in Akwa Ibom State

“…From the findings therefore, it appears the extension agents did not do or are not doing enough in assisting the farmers cope or adapt their farming practices during the pandemic. This corroborates Umeh, Igwe & Anyim (2018). This may have resulted from several factors such as the extension agents themselves not being quite knowledgeable on how best to help the farmers meet the kind of needs they have or lacking the support they need in order to be able to help the farmers.…”

“…The measures should ensure that the food supply chain must continue to function, the health of food system operators must be safeguarded and measures to ease the economic blow from the loss of income must be put in place. Information, advice, and coaching for rural dwellers from trusted rural communication and education institutions, such as the Agricultural Development Programme, are critical in responding to a crisis like this (Umeh et al, 2018).…”

Farmers’ Awareness of Improved Maize Cropping Practices in Punjab, Pakistan

“…These finding are also supported by Fawole & Tijani (2013) which showed high correlation between participation of farmers in extension activities and their awareness. According to (Umeh et al (2018), extension improved farmers' decision power, analytical abilities by communicating sound suggestions and information. Different extension approaches such as farmer field schools (FFS), training and visits (T&V) or participatory approach are used to share knowledge and skills with farmers (Maulu et al, 2021).…”

Growers’ knowledge on spices cultivation in Shibganj upazila under Bogura district

“…It indicates that higher the age, education, family size, extension contact, training experience, annual family income and area under spices cultivation, lower the knowledge on spices cultivation practice. Umeh et al (2018) and Kadam (1999) found negative significant relationships between age and knowledge of the pomegranate and role of extension service, respectively.…”