Local Government Funding of Extension Services in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed local government funding of extension in Anambra State of Nigeria. The population of the study included all the local government staff of the Agriculture and Veterinary Department in the 21 LGAs of Anambra State. A sample of 60 respondents were selected using purposive and random sampling techniques. Questionnaire and field observations were used to collect data and secondary data were obtained from the LGA records. Percentage and mean score were used to analyze data. Local governments had federation allocation as major source of revenue. Internally generated revenue (IGR) was poorly harnessed. The LGs were adequately funded by the federal government and the amount increased annually, while agriculture was not adequately funded in all the LGs. There was generally no allocation for extension; only a few LGs indicated some budget percentage allocations to extension work. It was recommended that LGs should look inwards for improved IGR sources to complement their share of federal allocation. This will help them to tackle more tasks and challenges before them. There should be also an improvement in budget planning and execution in which more funds are allocated to Agricultural Departments of the LGs for extension services.

Keywords: Local government, funding, extension services