Agronomic Practices Training Needs Of Homestead Banana And Plantain (Musa) Growers In Enugu State Of Nigeria

Abstract

The study determined the agronomic practices training needs of homestead bananas and plantains growers in Enugu State of Nigeria. Data for the study were collected
from 57 homestead banana and plantain growers, using structured interview schedule. Frequency distribution, percentage and mean scores were used in the analysis of the data. The findings revealed that majority (68.0%) of the respondents grew both bananas and plantains within their compounds. Those that grew only local cultivars of bananas and plantains accounted for 40.0%, while 33.5% grew a combination of local and improved cultivars of bananas and plantains. The fellow farmers (other farmers) formed the primary sources of information on bananas and plantains improvement programmes and planting materials (suckers). Training was needed in each of the identified 14 agronomic practices. Implications of the findings for extension programme on improved bananas and plantains agronomic practices in the study area were drawn.

Keywords: Agronomic practices - Training needs - homestead - growers – banana – Plantain.

Global Approaches to Extension Practice Vol. 2 (2) 2006: pp. 27-34