Factors related to the effective administration of extension in agriculture and rural development in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper is based on data arising from a study 1 carried out to investigate the extent to which factors essential to a progressive rural structure prevail in Nigeria. A mail questionnaire was used to collect the data from 160 Agricultural Superintendent and Agricultural Assistant trainees of the Federal School of Agriculture, Umudike-Umuahia, Nigeria. The findings would suggest that the involvement of field extension workers and clientele in the planning and evaluation of programmes was minimal—and in many cases inadequate—for the effective administration of agricultural programmes. Extension workers are thought to be the main source of awareness of new innovations for the farmers through personal and group contacts while government and commercial banks are considered to be the main sources of credit for farmers. Within Nigeria there exists the basis for a progressive rural structure. However, the findings would suggest the need to bolster the administration of the existing extension organisations if there is to be an adequate progressive rural structure throughout the country.