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.