Sources And Use Of Extension Information Among Maize Farmers In Rural Northern Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on identification of the main sources of extension information used by farmers who grew improved maize in two villages of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 125 farmers were sampled and based on their responses, data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics. The findings showed that the relevant sources of extension information available to the respondent farmers were in this order of importance; radio, extension agent, fellow farmers, agricultural shows, village head, slides/film shows, traders, written material and television. Furthermore, findings revealed that the respondents utilized extension information, to a great extent on the following technologies/recommendations; improved maize, seed rate, seed dressing, plant spacing, fertilizer application, post-harvest processing, and storage. Recommendations on herbicides and pesticides were however, not utilized to a great extent by the respondents.


Key words: Extension information, improved maize, utilization, sources of information


Journal Of Agriculture And Social Research Vol. 5 (1) 2005: 11-17