Examination of the Role of Extension Agents in Shea Butter Processing and Marketing in Zuru Agro-Ecological Zone of Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This article examined the role of extension agents in shea butter processing and marketing in zuru agro-ecological zone of kebbi state, Nigeria. Primary data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires and interview schedule from 104 processors and marketers using a multi-stage sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that processors and marketers were mostly young, married females. Most of the processors and marketers had little or no formal education but had between six and 15 years of processing and marketing experience. It was revealed that the average age of the respondents was 33 years, most were married (92.4%), illiterate (55.4%), lacked access to credit and market information with average income of ₦233, 547.06 (US$ 659.23) per annum. Extension officers were not fully involved in the training of processors and marketers, especially in the areas of teaching and practical demonstrations. The study shows that age (χ2 = 38.865, p = 0.000), educational level (χ2 = 69.018, p = 0.000), and years of processing experience (χ = 40.118, p = 0.000) were significantly related to the training received from change agents on shea butter processing and marketing. Lack of storage facility (X =2.12), distance to market (X =2.10) and discrimination from buyers (X =2.00) were major constraints to shea butter processing and marketing. Age (β=-0.29), educational qualification (β=0.17), proximity to market (β=-0.22), access to market information (β=0.30), production output (β=0.34) and income (β=0.007, 0.026) from shea butter including membership in a group (β=1.39) significantly influenced respondents’ decision to participate in shea butter processing and marketing. The study concludes that shea butter processors and marketers in the study area have potentials to contribute to economic growth and development but lack full participation in large scale or international markets thus, relying mostly on small local community based markets. Hence, it is recommended that processors and marketers be properly trained on modern processing and marketing technologies, extension officers and skilled extension agents should be fully utilized, especially in the areas of teaching and practical demonstrations. In designing extension training programmes for processors and marketers in the study areas, age, level of education, and years of processing and marketing experiences should be taken into consideration by the change agents, since these aspects were shown to have significant relationships with extension roles.