Extension Service Delivery Of Agricultural Development Programmes In Southwest Nigeria During The Post World Bank Era (1996-2013)

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the extension service delivery within the Agricultural Development Programmes of Southwest Nigeria after the cessation of the World Bank funding between 1996 and 2013. Primary data were collected from 201 extension agents across 50% of the  states in the area of study using structured questionaire. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to analyse the data while t-test was used to test the hypothesis. Hypothesis tested revealed that significant difference existed in the level of extension service delivery in PWBE (=25.3; Std. Dev=3.06) and WBE (=55.2; Std. Dev= 7.0) with a t-value of (21) -2.241; P≤0.055. It was concluded that withdrawal of World Bank funding has grossly and negatively affected extension service delivery by the ADPs in Southwest, Nigeria. It is recommended that government at all levels should intensify effort in increasing the budgetary allocation to their extension organisations with a view to boosting food production among Nigerian farmers. Extension programme planners should explore the cooperative group farming approach to generate community level capitalization and also access funds for agricultural development from financial institutions and NGOs.

Key Words: Extension service, extension delivery, World Bank, Agricultural Development Programme