ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS OF EXTENSION SERVICES AMONG CASSAVA FARMERS IN ZONE I OF NIGER STATE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study assessed the effectiveness of extension services on cassava production in ADP Zone I of Niger State, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling technique was used for the study. Structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data obtained. Findings of the study show that most (67.5%) of the cassava farmers were married, 57.5% of them were male, with some (47%) within the age range of 33 – 39 years. Majority (76%) of the cassava farmers cultivated other crops (sorghum, maize, millet and cow pea) and most (60%) of them had formal education. Sources of technologies utilized by the farmers include Research Institute, farmers market, Agricultural Development Project (ADP) and Agric business centers. The yield of cassava farmers was higher (23.5 tonnes) with the adoption of improved production technologies. Most farmers perceived extension services to improved crop yield (86%) and increased their income (79%). The findings also show, that there is significance difference (t = 21 73; P = 0.01) in yield before and after adoption of improved technologies. The major constraints faced by the cassava farmers in the study area were problem of land tenure system 30%, problem of herdsmen 25%, inadequate credit facilities 15%, inadequate extension services 12.5%, problem of transportation 10% and poor marketing system 7.5%. The study concludes that extension services rendered to the cassava farmers succeeded in increasing their yield. It is therefore recommended that there should be increase in frequency of extension contacts and proper training of extension Agents. ABSTRACT This study assessed the effectiveness of extension services on cassava production in ADP Zone I of Niger State, Nigeria. Multi stage sampling technique was used for the study. Structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data obtained. Findings of the study show that most (67.5%) of the cassava farmers were married, 57.5% of them were male, with some (47%) within the age range of 33 – 39 years. Majority (76%) of the cassava farmers cultivated other crops (sorghum, maize, millet and cow pea) and most (60%) of them had formal education. Sources of technologies utilized by the farmers include Research Institute, farmers market, Agricultural Development Project (ADP) and Agric business centers. The yield of cassava farmers was higher (23.5 tonnes) with the adoption of improved production technologies. Most farmers perceived extension services to improved crop yield (86%) and increased their income (79%). The findings also show, that there is significance difference (t = 21 73; P = 0.01) in yield before and after adoption of improved technologies. The major constraints faced by the cassava farmers in the study area were problem of land tenure system 30%, problem of herdsmen 25%, inadequate credit facilities 15%, inadequate extension services 12.5%, problem of transportation 10% and poor marketing system 7.5%. The study concludes that extension services rendered to the cassava farmers succeeded in increasing their yield. It is therefore recommended that there should be increase in frequency of extension contacts and proper training of extension Agents.