Analysis of farmers’ participation in agricultural extension programmes in North-western Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed farmers’ participation in agricultural extension intervention programmes in the North-western zone of Nigeria. Structured, pretested and validated interview schedule was used to collect data from 600 respondents selected in Kaduna and Kano States through multi-stage random sampling techniques. Frequency table, percentages, and weighted mean were used to analyze the data. Chi-square was used to determine the relationship between farmers’ socio-economic variables and their level of participation. Results showed that farmers’ participation in extension intervention programmes was generally low. In order of severity, major hindrances to participation include poor involvement of people at the conception stage, lack of continuity, inadequate training, and inadequate extension agent. Socio-economic factors found to influence farmers’ level of participation include education (X²=6.92; p<0.05), membership of farmers’ association (X² =6.18; p<0.05), age (X²=6.12; p<0.05), farming experience (X² =5.64; p<0.05), income (X² =4.61; p<0.05), benefits of association membership (X² =3.41; p<0.05), and secondary occupation (X² =3.13; p<0.05). The study recommended a shift from the traditional supply-driven extension to a more participatory one which involves farmers from the conception stage.