Operational modes of providing linkage between veterinary extension service and livestock farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to

(1) determine the kinds of veterinary extension services that are provided to livestock farmers;

(2) determine the frequency of farmers contact with extension agents in relation to the extent of adoption of animal health innovations, and

(3) identify the various constraints to veterinary extension service in the area of the study.

Multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select 120 livestock farmers and eight veterinary agents from Ogun State, Nigeria, as respondents to a structured interview schedule and a structured questionnaire respectively. The instruments sought to elicit information on the frequency of contact between the agents and the livestock farmers; on the frequency of contact on each of the various services provided to the farmers; and on the constraints to adoption of animal health innovations by farmers. Relative frequency and chi-square (x²) analysis were carried out on the data collected.

Findings of the study revealed that livestock farmers that had contacts with veterinary agents had higher rate of adoption; that the agents had preference for large scale/commercial farmers at the expense of small to medium scale farmers; and that the agents engaged more in vaccination of animals, supply of vaccines, drugs and other animal health care inputs; and meat inspection.

The need for and the strategies to make agents to also focus appropriately on the educational and communication dimensions of veterinary extension service are highlighted by the study.

Keywords: Linkage, Veterinary Extension Service, Livestock Farmers.