Examining the Level of Rice Farmers’ Awareness about Sources of Agricultural Information in Bunkure, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Agricultural information is essential to effective farming activities and related decisions, however, farmers need to find the best sources of agriculture information. Despite numerous sources of information, rice farmers still find it challenging to identify convenient information sources due to time and cost effectiveness. The purpose of this study was thus to examine the level of rice farmers’ awareness about the sources of agricultural information in Bunkure, Kano State, Nigeria -West Africa. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted 2,203 households with a sample size of n = 220 heads of farmers’ household. The sample size determination was based on Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination table for ±5% precision and 95% confidence levels. The study utilized Questionnaire, for data collection. The instruments were pilot tested to ensure it measures the expected objectives. Data on farmers’ demographic profile were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages then translated on tables and graphs. While the study objective was analysed quantitatively based on the study design. The study findings revealed that the sources of agricultural information farmers in Bunkure were aware of included agricultural agents at 31%, radio 19%, farmer association 16%, agricultural show 12%, and TV 6%, farmers groups 4%, newspaper 3%, Facebook 3%, agricultural database 2.6%, library 2.4% and internet 2.4%. The study also found that information awareness had significant association with agricultural productivity at 0.05 (1-tailed) (r = 0.278, n =634, p<1268). The study concludes that most of the rice farmers in Bunkure, Kano State, Nigeria are aware of multiple sources of agricultural information and awareness of sources of agricultural information is essential for these rice farmers to improve their production and profitability. The study thus recommends that the government and other stakeholders should use a participatory approach in involving rice farmers in Bunkure, Kano State.