Journal of Agricultural Extension

Perception of Agricultural Extension Workers on Privatization of Agricultural Extension Services in Ondo State, Nigeria

Oluwole Matthew Akinnagbe — 2024-04-18

This study assessed the opinion of agricultural extension workers on the privatization of agricultural extension services in Ondo State, Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used in collecting primary data from 90 out of 112 extension workers in the Ondo State Agricultural Development Programme, through the use of a validated questionnaire. Data were analysed using percentage and mean statistics. The majority (55.6%) of extension professionals asserted that agricultural extension services should not be privatized. The major reasons adduced to this were the fear that privatization could lead to the loss of jobs among the extension professionals (100%) and also the belief that it is the responsibility of the government to cater for farmers (100%). The average amount proposed by the few respondents if extension services should be privatized, ranges from a minimum of ₦100 - ₦400. The proposed areas where extension should be privatized are where and when to sell their products and technical advice on farming activities (crops and livestock). Since farmers will be the ones to bear the consequences of privatisation, the government should ensure total overhauling of the extension system before experimenting with the payment for extension services in phases and with utmost caution

Cross-Analysis of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System of Actors' Interactions in Greece

Epistimi Amerani — 2024-04-18

This study examined Greece's Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) and assessed the flow of information and linkages among eight stakeholder groups: policy, education, research, consulting, agricultural cooperatives, credit, private enterprises, and farmers. Data were collected using an online survey tool from 61 experts/representatives following an initial phone communication. The Graph Theoretical Technique was utilized to achieve the survey's objectives. The results revealed dominant and subordinated actors in the system and identified a critical pathway for information flow within AKIS. Policymakers can leverage these findings to strengthen linkages, address information gaps, and promote innovation and equitable development in the agricultural sector.

Relationship between Sex and Entrepreneurship Traits of Agri-Undergraduate Students in Northern India

Sapna Jarial — 2024-04-18

This research examined the relationship between sex and the agricultural entrepreneurship characteristics of undergraduate Indian university students. This research employed a theoretical structure focusing on personal factors influencing agri-entrepreneurship. In 2021, from 619 students \ data was collected through a Google survey. The collected data were evaluated and juxtaposed with percentages, correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Male students (66.13%) outnumbered female students (33.91%) in the School of Agriculture. Entrepreneurial attributes existed among agri-undergraduate students. Significantly correlated traits associated with entrepreneurship were creativity (τ = .311), initiative taking, (τ = .188 with planning), decision-making ability (τ = .250), risk-taking propensity (τ = .154), competitiveness (τ = .172), and pressure coping (τ = .145). Sex does not affect the supervisory role. A significant association existed between ‘gender’ (χ²=112.37) and ‘trustworthiness’ (likelihood ratio=21.55). ‘Sex’ and ‘perceived trustworthiness’ levels are unlikely to occur by chance alone. Further exploration into this underrepresented area of research is imperative to guide the formulation of targeted educational strategies that enhance the development of entrepreneurial competencies within this demographic. This investigation distinguishes itself by exploring gender-centric variables to provide insight into entrepreneurial attributes within a cohort of undergraduate scholars engaged in agricultural studies.

Enhancing the Marketing Strategies for Agri-Shops in Academic Institutions in Thailand

Jeeranun Khermkhan — 2024-04-18

This study addresses the marketing needs of agricultural product shops located at academic institutions, using the case of an academic institution in Bangkok, Thailand. It examined the marketing mix factors influencing the purchase of safe agricultural products and develop an effective marketing strategy for Farm Chao Khun agricultural shop for different consumer groups. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 400 consumers, including students, faculty members, staff, and outsiders. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with store stakeholders. The study revealed distinct consumer preferences for agricultural products among different groups: Staff favoured safe products in the evening, students prioritize affordable and ready-to-eat options, and outsiders show similarities with staff but prefer online purchases. The marketing mix factors influencing consumer decisions include product taste, suitable prices, and online publicity. The SWOT analysis highlights strengths in the institute's reputation, weaknesses in management and limited product variety, opportunities in the health-conscious market, and threats from COVID-19. The recommended marketing strategy involves expanding the product range, enhancing the online presence, improving product quality, and implementing a delivery system during the pandemic.

Communication Dynamics in the Poultry Value Chain of Commercial Agricultural Development Project in Enugu State, Nigeria

Charles Ekene Udoye — 2024-04-18

The study ascertained communication dynamics among poultry value chain actors of the Commercial Agricultural Development Project in Enugu State, Nigeria. Seventy-one poultry value chain (PVC) actors constituted the sample for the study. This study was based on the Filiere value chain approach, data were analyzed using percentages, mean scores and standard deviation. Results revealed that all (100%) of the service providers used face-to-face channels in communicating with fellow service providers. Producers and processors had strong horizontal communication linkage. Different communication channels (face-to-face, radio, television) were used by the actors to share agricultural information. Service providers had weak horizontal linkage (4 times/year). The government should therefore ensure subsidization of tariff packages for subscription of communication technologies such as mobile phones in order to ensure frequent use by actors for instant communication and timely access to needed agricultural information.

Youth Involvement in Sweet Potato Production in Abia State, Nigeria

Samson Ejike Onu — 2024-04-18

The study investigated youth involvement in sweet potato production in Abia State, Nigeria. The study made use of a multi-stage procedure in selecting 120 youth. Primary data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analysed with frequency, mean count, standard deviation and multiple regression. The results revealed that the average yield produced was 117.42kg of potato tubers which is equivalent to N46,968.00. A grand mean of 3.20 affirmed that the youths were highly involved in sweet potato production. Some of the constraints militating against youth involvement in potato production were poor motivation (100.0%), poor access to credit (100.0%), and poor access to information from extension agents (100.0%), amongst others. Education (5%), house size (5%), farming experience (5%), and income (5%) significantly influenced the level of youth involvement in sweet potato production. Youth were highly involved in potato production. The government through the Central Bank of Nigeria should ensure youths have access to credits and grants for arable crop production.

The Contribution of Agricultural Extension to Empowerment of Women for Agricultural Development

Shin Yee Siaw — 2024-04-18

The study examined published works on the contribution of agricultural extension to the empowerment of women for agricultural development. It also explored the theoretical and practical implications. A systematic search in Scopus using relevant sets of keywords, including “agriculture extension”, “capacity building”, “women’s empowerment”, “women’s agency”, “women farmers”, “gender” and “agriculture”, identified 77 pertinent articles published between 1987-2023. The findings revealed that research on women’s empowerment in agriculture through capacity building had grown steadily since 1987, with leading journals being Gender, Technology and Development and the Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension. Quisumbing, Mudege, and Ponnusamy emerge as prolific authors, while India boasts the most distributed studies. Beyond a comprehensive review, this work introduces a novel concept for understanding women’s empowerment in agriculture. The concept comprised of five extension methods designed to empower women farmers, emphasising informed decision-making and leveraging the various forms of capital. The new conceptual framework aims to drive a collaborative approach towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 – Gender Equality. Additionally, the review offers a comprehensive systematic review of gender studies, particularly in agriculture. It highlights the need for intercultural studies to examine the effectiveness of the proposed framework across diverse cultural contexts and regions.

Building Organizational Resilience of Public Extension System during Pandemic in Enugu State Nigeria

Ifeoma Quinette Anugwa — 2024-04-18

The study identified potential changes in the public extension system that could contribute to food system transformation during the pandemic. Document reviews, surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews were used to achieve the study objectives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most (96.0%) rural households had no extension contact resulting in challenges within the food production system. The annual quantity of yam produced by the respondents declined from an average of 5,700kg pre-pandemic era to 5,100kg during the pandemic. As a result of the pandemic, the already weak extension system was exposed to greater vulnerability due to weak capacity, poor competence, and technical know-how needed to drive the food production system transformation. Policy interventions are recommended to ensure that extension services are digitalized, human capacities are improved and adequate funding is available.

Food Safety Practices of Maize Farmers in Taraba State, Nigeria

Gabriel Daniel Agou — 2024-04-18

The study evaluated the food safety practices of maize farmers in Taraba state, Nigeria and employed multistage sampling procedure to select one-hundred and fifty-six respondents from six local government areas of Taraba State. Results were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and multiple regression model. Findings revealed that 56.4% of the respondents were male, 35.9% were between the ages of 28 and 37 years and had the annual income of ₦123,108.87. Use of organic agricultural methods in maize production (=2.42), not allowing animals marching through maize sprayed on a sheet and not drying of maize on dirty/filthy tarpaulins (=2.00) were the correct food safety practices used by the farmers while leaving maize to dry along the roadside on a bare ground (=1.77) was one of the wrong food safety practices. Family (58.3%), fellow farmers (54.1%), public sanitary and health authorities (53.2%) were sources of information on maize food safety practices by the respondents. Poor enforcement of food safety policies (=2.13) was a constraints to food safety practices. Age (p=0.090) and farm size (p=0.087) were factors influencing food safety practices of the respondents. The study concludes that the maize farmers practiced poor food safety practice of leaving maize to dry along the roadside on a bare ground and recommends that farmers should be well educated about the danger associated with poor food safety practice.