Abstract
This study analyzed the effects of extension teaching methods used by Ogun State (Nigeria) Agricultural Development Programme’s extension agents on farmers’ level of production in maize and cassava. The sample included 210 randomly selected farmers, comprising adopters and non-adopters of introduced agricultural technologies. The result indicated a high level of awareness and low level of adoption of some essential components of the recommended technologies such as fertilizer and herbicide application. Adopting the technologies is affected by high cost and non-availability of inputs as and when needed. The study also showed that the type of extension teaching methods used by extension agents or which farmers had access to have varying effects on their levels of production. The use of a combination of individual, group and mass methods of extension teaching had the best association and effect on production output. The study recommended that non-adopters (and lowadopters) should be identified and extension efforts concentrated toward them, essential inputs should be provided at the right time and at affordable prices, organic manure (e.g. compost) should be used as a substitute for fertilizer by farmers where it is unavailable, and that the use of a combination of extension teaching methods and media by extension agents should be encouraged.
Highlights
Increased agricultural productivity depends primarily on accepting cultural and technological changes at rural farm level
According to Farinde & Jibowo (1996), the selection and use of any extension teaching method depends on characteristics of the method, type of audience to be reached by extension workers, and type of message to be disseminated
Data were collected between June and December 2004, using validated structured interview schedule to elicit information from the farmers, while the extension agents and Ogun State Agricultural Development Programme (OGADEP) information officer responded to questionnaires
Summary
Increased agricultural productivity depends primarily on accepting cultural and technological changes at rural farm level. To adopt and successfully use improved farming techniques, peasant farmers must understand them. This requires effective teaching by the agricultural extension service (agents) (Kelsey & Hearne, 1995). Extension education provides practical learning opportunities for rural people to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills that would enable them choose wisely, act productively, and grow individually while contributing to national progress (van den Ban & Hawkins, 1988). According to Farinde & Jibowo (1996), the selection and use of any extension teaching method depends on characteristics of the method, type of audience to be reached by extension workers, and type of message (agricultural innovation) to be disseminated
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