Strengthening Fruit and Vegetable Technology Delivery to Farmers: A Case of Bauchi State Extension Agents

Abstract

Revolutionizing the Nigerian fruit and vegetable industry to meet up with current and acceptable standards worldwide necessitates the phasing out of local methods of fruit and vegetable production prevalent among majority of fruit and vegetable farmers. It therefore becomes imperative for extension agents who serve as the link between research and farmers to be extensively trained in the art and science of fruit and vegetable production to facilitate qualitative dissemination of fruit and vegetable technologies to farmers. Forty five extension agents in Bauchi state were exposed to pre and post training tests on various training modules covering different aspects of fruit and vegetable techniques using an interdisciplinary approach. Data generated through use of structured questionnaire were analyzed with frequency counts, percentages, means and t-test. Significant differences exist between pre - and post training knowledge acquisition of fruits (t = 12.1; p < 0.05) and vegetables (t = 7.8; p < 0.05) suggesting an improvement in the level of knowledge received by extension agents. Effectiveness of extension agents for horticultural crop technology dissemination can be enhanced through in-service training.