Towards effective extension delivery approach and strategies for food security poverty alleviation and sustainable development in Nigeria

Abstract

Agricultural extension is crucial to agricultural development which is cardinal to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The country is currently experiencing implementation of various approaches for extension delivery. This paper took an overview of extension delivery in the country and implied confusion, duplication and waste of resources. The paper recommends adequate implementation of participatory approach with integrated strategies that are farmer driven, inclusive and group oriented such as Farmer Field School (FFS). Furthermore, continuous training for staff and farmers, mainstreaming and targeting of vulnerable groups, promotion of best practices and environment friendly initiatives among others were recommended. It advocates for effective coordination, harmonization and funding of extension outfits; National Food Reserve Agency/Agricultural Development Programmes (NFRA)/(ADPs), Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria/National Agricultural Extension Research Liaison Services (ARCN)/(NAERLS) and LGC agriculture departments. Dovetailing all technology development, adaptation and dissemination activities into Research Extension Farmer Inputs Linkage System (REFILS) will ensure clarity, judicious resource utilization, empowerment of beneficiaries and control of quality of technologies and contents of information disseminated. Agricultural Extension Policy (AEP) will be necessary support the implementation process.