Problems associated with extension visists among maize farmers in rural northern Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the problems related to field visits carried out by extension staff to farmers in the rural areas. A total of 125 farmers were purposively and randomly sampled for this study from two villages, in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The three objectives were; (1) to identify the period of extension visits carried out by the extension agents (2) identify problems connected to extension visits faced by rural farmers maize farmers growers, and (3) determine possible solutions to problems identified. On the frequency of visits, majority (33.6%) of the respondents had contact with extension agents seasonally, 20.8% had no visit, and 18.4% bi-monthly. Nine (9) problems confronted by rural farmers in the course of getting extension visits were listed and twelve (12) suggestions by the respondents were put forward to contain the situation accordingly.

Keywords: Field visits, extension agent, rural farmers, improved maize and Nigeria

Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol 3(1) 2005: 104-113