Assessment of extension media use among youth farmers in Oyo and Ondo states, Nigeria

Abstract

The study on assessment of extension media among youth farmers was carried out in Oyo and Ondo States of Nigeria . Data were obtained from 48 youth farmers and 24 extension agents from one zone of the ADP per state. The youth farmers were purposively sampled for having participated in extension media training at one time or the other, or their parent being contact farmers. Structured and validated questionnaires were used to elicit necessary information coupled with personal interview. The data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and correlation co-efficient. The respondents were 30 years and below with the modal group being 16 – 20years. The respondents were educated only 25percent were without formal education. Majority of them (67.5%) got innovation disseminated through television. Over 80 percent were aware of extension media in the study areas while only 20percent were not aware. Technologies disseminated include agricultural mechanization, improved seed production, mixed farming, and fertilizer application among others. The channels that were popular among the respondents include: radio and personal contact (53.7%) each. While demonstration was popular among the extension agents. There was negative correlation between age of respondents and diffusion of innovation. All the variables fitted were significant with exception of farm size. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were proffered: Government should make provisions for creating extension service departments in agricultural establishment where they do not exist.