Performance Evaluation Of The Elf In Rural Life Agricultural Project In Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the performance of farmers in the ELF Petroleum Nigerian Limited Extension Programme in Ogba/ Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Data were obtained with an interview schedule from eighty (80) randomly selected farmers who participated in the programme. Mean score was used for data analysis using a 4 point Likert – Type scale rating. The results indicate that this programme performed adequately in activities such as, weed control practices (3.90), livestock management (3.85), pests and diseases control measures (3.58), use and delivery of improved planting materials (2.95), use and delivery of agro-chemicals (2.85) and organisation of farmers co-operative (2.26). Poor performances were recorded in activities such as fish pond management (2.05), flood and erosion control (1.28) and delivery of credit facilities to farmers (0.65). The programme was faced with such constraints as inadequate funding, lack of demonstration and training materials to extension agents and inadequate contacts between extension agents and farmers. In order to ameliorate the identified problems and improve performance, it is recommended that adequate attention should be given to areas such as more funding, improved farmers training sessions, and regular contacts between extension agents and farmers.

Keywords: ELF in Rural Life, Agricultural Projects, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 12 (1) 2007: pp. 23-26