Agricultural extension information needs of peri-urban farmers In Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Knowledge of Farmers’ agricultural extension information needs would provide a guide to extension agents and policy makers on the right path to follow  when provision and dissemination of extension information for increased agricultural productivity is aimed at. The study was carried out to ascertain the  agricultural extension information needs of periurban farmers in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria. A Multi- stage sampling procedure was used to collect data from 201 peri-urban farmers with the use of structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using  descriptive statistics such as means, standard deviations, coefficient of variation and ranking. Results indicated that peri-urban farmers involved in crop,  livestock, fishery, agro-processing and marketing enterprises were majorly in need of extension information on: improved methods of controlling pest  and diseases, how to source agricultural credits and finance, formulation of livestock feeds, how to source market information, methods of constructing  modern pond, techniques of fish hatchery, methods of processing and marketing of crop and animal produce, post-harvest techniques and packaging of  agricultural produce amongst others. However, peri-urban farmers engaged in agro-forestry and horticulture enterprise were not in need of all the listed  agro-forestry and horticulture extension information. Therefore, it is pertinent that extension agents should help peri-urban farmers ascertain their  agricultural extension information needs and provide them with agricultural information in relation to their different agro-enterprises. Additionally,  extension agents should educate peri-urban farmers on the benefits of investing on agro-forestry and horticulture enterprises as the periurban farmers  could be unaware of its nutritional, social and economic benefits.