Information services provision for access and utilization of agricultural science students in national agricultural extension research and liaison services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,

Abstract

This study investigated Information Services Provision for Access and Utilization of Agricultural Science Students in National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The study aimed at finding out the types of agricultural information services required for access and use by agricultural science students from NAERLS, ABU, Zaria and the level of awareness of agricultural science students on agricultural information services provided by NAERLS, ABU, Zaria. The study adopted quantitative research method using descriptive research design. The population of the study was 995 and a sample size of 320 was drawn for the study from agricultural science students in Faculty of Agriculture, ABU, Zaria. Questionnaire was the instrument used and in order to incorporate all respondents in all levels, proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting respondents for the study. Data collected were sorted and analysed using frequency tables, simple percentages and descriptive mean of Standard Deviation. Findings revealed that agricultural science students of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria access and use Technical/Scientific and Commercial Agricultural Information Services and are aware of these services. Consequently, the study recommended that NAERLS and her international bodies should create more awareness on the availability of these agricultural information services as they are of importance to the entire students of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and not the agricultural science students alone. Also efforts should be intensified on creating a pact between NAERLS, their international agencies and their immediate environment which they are expected to serve on the available services for effective and efficient use.

Keywords: Information Provision, Access, Utilization, Agricultural Extension Information