Traditional and formal education: Means of improving grasscutter farming in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the role of traditional and formal education as a  means of improving the productivity and socio-economic status of  grasscutter farmers in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State. One hundred respondents were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. The data generated were  analyzed and presented through descriptive statistics. The results showed that success in grasscutter rearing is determined to a large extent, by the quantum of information available to the farmers. Sixty (60%) of the respondents strongly agreed that education (formal or informal) has a significant relationship with production level. Inadequate extension  personnel, high level of illiteracy and transportation problems among others are the major constraints that impede production of grasscutters in the study area. The study concludes that both traditional and non-formal education are important for the development and efficiency of grasscutter farming in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State. The following are the recommendations of the study: revision of the curriculum of formal schools to include items that inculcate bio-diversity conservation into young people’s minds; traditional education in local communities that lays emphasis on conservation of wildlife; Government and  non-governmental organizations should be more committed to funding education/research on biodiversity conservation.

Key words: Traditional and Formal Education, School Curriculum,  Grasscutter, Socio-economic Status