Dissemination of cultured fishery technology by extension agents in Oyo state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to identify factors associated with the dissemination of cultured fishery technology by extension agents in Oyo State. The specific objectives of the study were to identify various ways the respondents disseminate cultured fishery technology to the fish farmers, the source of information and kind of training acquired. The study was carried out in Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADEP) with the study population being all the field extension agents across the four zones of the ADP. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information relevant to the study. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. The findings reveal that the main services provided by the respondents is transfer of improved technology to the fish farmers. Majority (92.6%) of the respondents are males and only (7.4%) are females. The age of the respondents ranged from 32 to 56 years with most (91.0%) between 38 and 43 years. In-house training (forthnightly training, FNT) was the most prevalent source of information to the respondents followed by the radio. Earthen ponds was reported to have higher adoption over concrete ponds due to variation in the cost of construction. The results show tank, dam. reservoir, monoculture, and others disseminated to the farmers as being commonly practiced except floating and fixed cage which are seldomly practiced.

Key words: Dissemination, cultured fishery, technology, extension agents, Nigeria.