Strategies used by Agricultural Extension Service Providers in Generation and Dissemination of Agricultural Biotechnology to Rural Farmers in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Agricultural biotechnology has significantly improved food, feed, and fiber production. The need for improved strategies for transferring the benefits of biotechnology to end users, particularly in rural areas, has been a major challenge. A study was begun to investigate the strategies used by agricultural extension service providers in disseminating the effectiveness and impact of agricultural biotechnology to rural farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Through the use of a well-structured questionnaire and group interview, data were gathered from 120 respondents, including researchers, extension agents, and rural farmers. They were then subjected to descriptive statistics like percentage, frequency, and mean. To choose respondents, a multi-stage random sampling technique was used. The findings showed that individual, group, and mass contact methods were the most frequently employed by agricultural extension services. These methods involved giving end users demonstrations of biotechnology products. Improved connections between the public and private sectors involved in agricultural biotechnology, including involving rural farmers in biotechnology research and development, had a positive impact on the strategies. Researchers, extension staff, and farmers all concur that enhanced extension services built on sound strategies present a significant opportunity for knowledge sharing, knowledge improvement, technology skill development, risk reduction, and improvement of farm management practices related to agricultural biotechnology.

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