Constraints to participation of rural farmers in root and tuber crops extension sub-programme in Delta north agricultural zone of Delta state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analysed the constraints to participation of rural farmers in agricultural extension sub-programme in Delta North Agricultural Zone of Delta State, Nigeria. One of the barriers that contributes to lack of of success in agricultural development programmes is the nonparticipation of farmers in agricultural extension programme and activities. There is paucity of information regarding the constraints to participation of rural farmers in root and tuber crops extension sub-programme. The study therefore bridges this gap. The study specially investigated the socio-economic characteristics of the non-participating rural farmers and constraints to their participation in root and tuber crops extension sub-programme. A multistage random sampling procedure was employed to select the ninety-nine (99) farmers, which constituted the sample for the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed by percentages, means and chi square. Results showed that the mean age of the farmers was 46 years, 79.8% were literate with an average farming experience of 40 years and 52.5% were males. Findings revealed that the farmer’s average income per annum was N148,500.00. The constraints of rural farmers participation in agricultural extension programme were poor incentive (̄x=3.15), insufficient availability of land (̄x=3.05), inadequate extension workers (x̄=2.97), inadequate infrastructure (̄x=2.95) and age (̄x=2.62). There was statistically no significant relationship between the constraints influencing male and female rural farmers’ participation in root and tuber crops extension sub-programme (X² cal 1.05 < X² table 14.07 at 0.05). It is recommended that to discourage non-participation of rural farmers, there should be an increase in the incentive for participation and in the number of extension personnel in rural communities.

Keywords: Non-participation, Agricultural Extension, programme, Agricultural Production.