Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Imo State fisheriers extension programme

Abstract

This study evaluated the Imo State Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Extension Programmes. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 15 randomly selected extension staff and 200 proportionately selected fish farmers from the three fisheries zones of the state between November 1997 and February 1998. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Z-test and multiple regressiion analysis. Results show that the fisheries extension service made successful initial educational contact with a reasonable number of fish farmers, but the regularity of contact and provision of needed fisheries input was below expectation leading to low level of adoption of fisheries technologies. Adoption behaviour of fish farmers was significantly related to most of the personal and farm enterprise characteristics of farmers. The success of agricultural policies on sustainable productivity and fisheries development in Nigeria depends to a large extent on the consideration of the important personal and farm enterprise characteristics of fish farmers which influence technology adoption.


(J Agric & Soc Res:2003 3(2): 108-125)