Farmers’ Adjustment to Dwindling Services of the Public Extension System in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated farmers’ adjustment to dwindling public extension services in Enugu State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select ninety-six (96) respondents from three agricultural zones in the study area, data were collected through the use of semi-structured interview schedule. Percentage, frequency and mean scores were the statistical tools used for data analysis. The majority (64.6%) of the respondents adjusted by developing stronger management skill. Findings revealed that all (100%) the respondents adjusted in information source by sourcing agricultural information from personal experience. Findings showed that the majority (97.9%) adjusted in sources of finance and credits by using self-financing. The majority of the respondents (76.0%) preferred self-financing as their source of finance and credit coming from their savings. Results showed that the majority (97.9%) of the respondents made finance/credit adjustment by increased saving for future. use It is necessary to facilitate farmer-to-farmer extension linkage to help farmers keep abreast of necessary information that will enhance production, help them develop more management skill so that they can feed their families and improve their standard of living. Financial institutions should provide loan to farmers at 30% interest rate.

Key words: farmers’ adjustments, public extension,