Barriers to the Use of Radio as a Channel of Agricultural Information by Farmers in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the barriers to the use of radio as a channel of agricultural information by farmers in Ushongo local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. One hundred thirty-two (132) respondents were selected using purposive and random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The results revealed that the respondents have more access to Ashi Waves FM, and their preferred format for radio programmes is radio drama. The major barrier to the use of radio is poor signals from radio stations. Logistic regression statistics showed that age and family size significantly affect respondents’ level of access to radio. It is recommended that radio progammes be presented in drama format and Ashi Waves FM be used to convey information to farmers. Also, radio stations are encouraged to install efficient transmitters.