Assessment of Forestry Extension Service Delivery among Rural Farmers Living around Awi Forest Reserve in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed forestry extension service delivery among rural farmers living around the Awi Forest Reserve in Cross River State, Nigeria. A total of 214 respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a 5-point Likert scale. The results showed that the average age of respondents was 39 years, with 61% being male and 85% married. Most respondents (53%) had primary education, and 57% operated on small farm sizes of 1-2 hectares. Farmers expressed satisfaction with campaigns against forest fires (mean = 3.58), forest management practices (mean = 3.35), and information on forestry laws (mean = 3.34). However, dissatisfaction was recorded for training on agroforestry (mean = 2.77), seedling distribution (mean = 1.75), and budding and grafting (mean = 1.54). Major constraints to effective service delivery included inadequate extension agents (mean = 4.0), poor supervision (mean = 3.53), and insufficient funding (mean = 3.48). The findings highlight the urgent need to address these challenges to enhance sustainable forest management and conservation efforts in the study area.