Assessment of Extension Agents' Knowledge in the Use of Communication Channels for Agricultural Information Dissemination in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT The need to improve agricultural production through enhanced technology transfer necessitated this study to assess extension agents’ knowledge in the use of communication channels for agricultural information dissemination. A structured questionnaire was administered to 80% of the Ogun State Agricultural Development Project extension agents who had been randomly selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, as well as inferential statistics such as Chi-square and PPMC. The study reveals that the most common communication channels used by respondents are farm visits and radio. Also, 78.8% of the extension agents have moderate knowledge in the use of communication channels, while only 16.8% have a high level of knowledge; agents are more knowledgeable in the use of television (95.6%), interpersonal communication (85%), and radio (85%). There are significant relationships between the respondents’ level of knowledge in the use of communication channels and their educational level. Given that the extension agents are highly knowledgeable in the use of only a few communication channels, efforts should be made to upgrade their knowledge by encouraging them to further their education as well as by facilitating in-house training. This will ensure skillful use of communication channels that will bring about a multiplier effect in the diffusion of innovations.