Assessment of information dissemination among women farmers in Ekiti and Ondo States of Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the dissemination of information among women farmers in Ekiti and Ondo states of Nigeria using a tested interview schedule to elicit information from 176 women farmers randomly selected from 44 cells in 11 agricultural blocks from three zones in Ekiti and Ondo State Agricultural Development Projects. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis. The study revealed that majority of the women farmers in the two states were young and active food producers and processors but with low educational status. Impediments to information dissemination among the women include explanatory ability, inappropriate time of message dissemination, heterophyl factors, shortage of farm input, inadequate information, poor irregular electricity supply, ambiguity of message and inadequate co-ordination of extension agents. The study further revealed that age and level of education affect the dissemination of agricultural information and that a significant relationship existed between the flow of agricultural information, and rice, vegetables and plantain production. It is recommended that efforts should be geared towards increasing the literacy level of women farmers through adult literacy programme in order to improve information dissemination to them. Keywords : Assessment, information dissemination, women farmers Bowen Journal of Agriculture Vol. 5 (1&2) 2008: pp. 91-101