Women Farmers’ Satisfaction with Extension Services and Empowerment in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed women farmers’ satisfaction with agricultural extension services and perceived influence of extension services on women farmers’ empowerment in Jos South LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria. The population comprised 885 registered women farmers, as recorded in PADP records, of whom 180 were selected using proportionate stratified sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and interview schedules and analysed using means and Pearson correlation at p≤0.05. Results showed that women farmers agreed that they were comfortable discussing issues with agents (= 3.80) and found information useful (= 3.55), but disagreed on regular contact (= 2.08) and service quality ( = 2.44). For empowerment, the grand mean was 2.74, indicating a neutral influence. Respondents disagreed on increased income control (= 2.29), networking ( = 2.29), and overall empowerment (= 2.21). Pearson correlation revealed no significant relationship between satisfaction with the quality of extension services and empowerment indicators. However, service relevance correlated positively with decision-making (r = .306), income control (r = .291), and confidence (r = .280). Extension services met basic information needs but failed to enhance women’s empowerment due to poor quality and irregular contact. Gender-responsive programmes and regular contact with extension agents are recommended.