Comparative analysis of extension services of agricultural development programme in Edo and Osun States, Nigeria

Abstract

This study compares the extension activities of Agricultural Development Programmes of Osun and Edo States. A multi-state random sampling method was used in selecting zones blocks, cells and the farmers. And interview schedule was designed to obtain data on the respondents demographic characteristics and extension activities. Data were gathered from 160 farmers from the two states. The result shows that majority of the farmers in both states have been farming for more than 6 years but Osun State has more experienced farmers than Edo State. In both states rentage and purchase accounted for about 26.3% of farm land. The study also shows that Osun State ADP rendered farm services more than Edo State in relation to equipment, but in Edo State most farmers get equipment from the Ministry of Agriculture and Public Hiring Unit. Farmers from Osun State intensively cultivate and have larger farms than Edo State. Farmers in both states acknowledged the assistance of ADP in the supply of improved planting materials and other inputs. In the area of infrastructure (Construction of dams roads processing unit and bore holes) both farmers and enclave communities benefited. Ttest analysis shows that there is no significant difference between the extension services of the two states (t = 3.71, P>0.05).