Assessment of farmers’ perceived effectiveness of radio agricultural programmes in Jibia Local Government Area, Katsina State

Abstract

This study assessed the farmers’ perception on effectiveness of radio and television agricultural programmes in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State. The data was collected from a sample of one hundred and fifteen respondents selected through a simple random sampling technique through the use of structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics while Chi square analysis was used to establish association between the use of radio and television and their perceived effectiveness on agricultural information dissemination. The findings of the study revealed that majority (92%) of the farmers were males and within the age range of 35–54 years, with 42.3% having a family size of 5-9 individuals. Only 42% of them had formal education with mean farming experience of 25 years. Also, the study shows majority of the respondents acknowledged gaining some new agricultural knowledge through the programmes on radio and television. Base on the findings of the study, it is concluded that radio and television are effective media for disseminating agricultural information to farmers. The study recommended that the public and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should endeavour to sponsor some agricultural programs especially those that have strong bearing with the needs and interest of the farmers.