Agricultural Extension Agents and Privatization of extension Service Delivery to Root and Tuber Crop Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study examined the views of agricultural extension agents on the privatization of services delivery to root and tuber crop farmers. The study was carried out in Benue State, Nigeria. Sample size of 96 respondents (extension agents) from the Benue State Agricultural Development Project (BNARDA) was used in the study. Data for the study were collected through the use of structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentage, mean score, and Chi-square. Majority of the respondents (67%) were male, mean age of 45 years, 89% were married and 42% had Ph.D as the highest educational qualification, while the average working experience was10 years. Also, 65% of the respondents were in agreement that privatization can ensure root and tuber farmers have greater access to new and improved varieties, 59% agreed that privatization will improve efficiency and effectiveness of extension agents, while 57% agreed that privatization will improve employment opportunities for trained extension personnel. Personal characteristics of extension agents and their perception on privatization of service delivery towards rural cassava farmers were not significant (P >0.05). The study therefore concludes that issues on privatization of extension should be given adequate consideration by policy makers, stakeholders in extension service delivery and the government before final decision is taken on whether or not to privatize agricultural extension services in the State.
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