Mass media: A panacea to sources of agricultural information to fisher folks in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine mass media as a panacea to sources of agricultural information to fisher folks in Sapele Local Government Area of  Delta State. A random sampling technique was used for selecting samples. The total sample size was 100 Fisherfolks. Data were collected through a  structure interview schedule and analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi- square. The study revealed that that 87% of the Fisherfolks claimed that  radio was more effective in disseminating Agricultural Information, 84% claimed that telephone/internet was more effective, 78% claimed that printed  media was more effective while 75% claimed that television was more effective. The Chi- square analysis at 0.05% level of probability showed that the use  of mass media was effective in the dissemination of agricultural technologies in the study area. The respondents were of positive opinion that  effectiveness of mass media influence the dissemination of agricultural information given that the grand mean (2.72) is greater than criterion mean  (2.50). To enhance the effectiveness of mass media in the dissemination of agricultural technologies for agricultural development in the study area there  is need to strengthen the use of radio and television in information dissemination to farmers, extension agencies should be more active in disseminating  information to the fisherfolks and in encouraging them to subscribe to various fisher folk groups that exist around the local government, hence making  information more easily accessible.