Improving effectiveness of agricultural extension service delivery through arable farmers’ perception in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract EN

Several approaches have been used to deliver extension services to arable Farmers in Ibarapa/Ibadan agricultural zone of Oyo State, Nigeria to improve productivity.

In spite of the various approaches, access to effective extension services has remained a challenge with its consequence on productivity level.

This study therefore examined farmers’ perception of extension service delivery to improve their productivity.

Using a cross sectional research design, 240 respondents were sampled following a multistage sampling procedure.

SPSS was used for data analysis.

Results showed that farmers’ perception of extension service delivery was positive.

Also, extension service delivery had high influence on farmers’ production skills gained.

Outcome of extension service delivery was favourable to farmers’ productivity.

However, inadequate number of extension agents’ visits to farmers, inadequate facility for effective extension work and shortage of working capital for extension work were the major problems hindering effective extension service delivery.

Farmers’ perception of extension service delivery was significantly related to marital status and the problems encountered.

There was a negative significant difference in farmers’ perception of extension service delivery and their productivity.

In order to improve the existing extension services in the study area, the study recommends provision of sufficient funds and facilities for effective extension work