SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON THE USE OF AGRO-CHEMICALS BY ARABLE CROPS FARMERS IN ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was carried out in Adamawa State to sources of information on the use of agro-chemicals by arable crops farmers in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Primary data was used for the study and the data was collected via the use of a well-structured questionnaire. Multi-stage and random sampling techniques were used to sample 365 respondents from the four ADP Zones in the state. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, percentage and a 3 type rating scale were used. The result of this study established that majority (40%) of the respondents were within the age of 30-40 years, male respondents accounted for 56.4%, 33.4% had secondary education and 66% has no contact with extension workers while 60% of the respondents were not members of any cooperative association. Majority (74.8%) of the respondents sourced information on the use of agro-chemicals from fellow farmers. The study concluded that informal networks and personal relationships play a crucial role in the dissemination of information on agro-chemicals among farmers. The following recommendations were proffered; extension Services should be improved; use of digital platforms such as mobile apps and social media, ensuring that labels are clear, comprehensive and easy to understand can help increase their utility as a reliable source of information.