Farmers Perception of Extension Agent Activities in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined farmers’ perception of extension agent’s activities in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables and percentages were used in analyzing the study data while chi-square statistical tool was used in testing the hypotheses.  Results obtained revealed that majority (47.6%) of the respondents were between 31-40 years of age.  Most of them (70.2%) were male. The results revealed that majority (71.8%) of the respondents were married. Majority (50.8%) of the respondents have household size between 4-6 members. Some (47.6%) of the respondents had secondary education. About half (52.4%) of the respondents were Muslims while 47.6% were Christians. The study revealed that farmers in the study area were involved in the following extension activities improve seed/seedling supply (94.4%, mean-value = 1.94), tractor services (53.2%, mean-value=0.53) skill development (89.5%, mean-value = 0.89) and adult literacy programme (62.9%, mean-value = 0.63) in that order.  Results further revealed that respondents had favourable perception towards extension activities in the study area.  There existed significant positive relationships between the selected socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and their perception of extension agents’ activities. Also a positive significant relationship exist between extent of adoption and farmers perception of extension agents activities. The study recommended that extension agents should organize training and retraining programmes for farmers in the study area on the adoption of improved agricultural innovations. Government should also assist farmers in making available these improved agricultural inputs at a very subsidized cost for farmers.