Alternative Internal Sources of Funds for Extension Service in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT With the cessation of World Bank counterpart funding of extension service in Nigeria, most of the Agricultural Development Programs have been finding it difficult to adequately and effectively fund extension activities. The aim of the study was to identify sustainable alternative internal sources of funds for extension service. A sample of 400 small scale-farmers, 12 large-scale farmers, 12 chief executives of agro-allied, agro-based and multinational companies, 20 local government chairmen and 25 very wealthy citizens of Ogun State, Nigeria were either interviewed or asked to respond to a questionnaire. Results indicated that all the five groups of respondents were willing to counterpart-fund extension service in Ogun State. More than 1/3 of the actual amount spent on extension service may be realized through alternative internal sources of funds. Farm size, income, educational level, length of contact with extension service and gender of small-scale farmers had significant correlation with their willingness to contribute to fund extension service. It was recommended that Ogun State Agricultural Development Program should establish a committee or sub-unit (under Extension sub-program) whose main function will be to search for and generate funds locally. It will also be charged with managing such funds.