Information Needs of Oil Palm Farmers in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the information needs of oil palm farmers in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Through the use of structured interview schedule, 90 randomly selected oil palm farmers were surveyed. Findings showed that 73.3 percent of the respondents were males, 80 percent were between 31 and 50 years old, 73.3 percent were married, 70 percent had both primary and secondary education, 68.9 percent had farming experience of 11 years and above and 93.4 percent had between1 and 4 ha of farm size. Respondents obtained information mostly from radio ( x = 2.60) and fellow farmers ( x = 2.57). Perceived areas of information need include nursery practices ( x =4.86), improved processing methods ( x = 4.84), improved varieties ( x= 4.67) and fertilizer application ( x= 4.36). Perceived effects of lack of information on respondents’ production were low income ( x = 4.88), low yield ( x = 4.86), continuous use of local technologies ( x = 4.82), and non-awareness of improved processing methods ( x = 4.67). Respondents’ sex ( 2= 8.489: P < 0.05) and educational background( 2= - 10.460: P<0.05) had significant association with their perception of information needs. The needfor new strategies for information dissemination, use of mass media and farmer training were

recommended.