Extension agents\' marketing related services: The relevance to policy and training in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the marketing related services provided to farmers by
extension agents in Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected from the extension agents in the services of Osun State Agricultural Development Projects, which is the government outfit to provide such services to farmers on one hand and their counterparts in the non-governmental organizations on the other hand. A validated questionnaire was administered to extension agents during the fortnightly training meeting. The data collected was summarized using frequency and percentages. The relationship between the dependent and independent variables were investigated using Spearman rank order correlation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and regression analyses. Results of the study showed that the respondents had basic preservice training in agricultural related field and are provided with motorcycle to ease their transportation problems. Extension Agents in turn provide selected marketing related services to farmers especially those perceived as legitimate. A significant correlation exists between performance of marketing related services and the perceived legitimacy of the services(r=0.54). The number of marketing related services provided by extension agents significantly correlate with number of superior
officers(r=0.6510). The other variables that negatively correlates with number of marketing related services provided by the extension agents are, rank (r = -0.578), years of experience (r=-0.321) and annual income (r = -0.335). The study suggest that performance of the marketing related extension services be backed by adequate policy statements and be included in the extension agents training curriculum.

South African Journal of Agricultural Extension Vol. 35 (1) 2006: pp. 51-70