Abstract:
Cassava production in Nigeria is limited by poor downstream activities. Effective support
servicesof relevant stakeholders are critical in removing the limitations. Effectiveness of services
of extension agencies as it affects productivity of cassava farmers in southwestern Nigeria was
therefore examined. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select cassava farmers from
20% of Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) extension blocks in Oyo, Ogun and Ondo
states based on intensity of cassava production. Forty percent of cassava farmers in 10% of ADP
cells in selected blocks were randomly selected, producing 153, 127 and 96 respondents for the
states respectively. Data obtained through interview schedule were subjected to descriptive and
inferential statistics at p=0.05. Most respondents were males (74.7%), married (97.1%) and
members of farmers’ association (71.0%) while 59.6% had no formal education. Mean age was
47.9±11.79 years, farm size 4.6±2.03/ ha, family size 6.5±0.46 persons and farming experience
24.7±12.55 years. Most respondents were males (74.7%), married (97.1%) and members of
farmers’ association (71.0%) while 59.6% had no formal education. Mean age was 47.9±11.79
years, farm size 4.6±2.03/ ha, family size 6.5±0.46 persons and farming experience 24.7±12.55
years. Majority of the respondents had low access to extension (4.62±1.24), Service effectiveness
rating was low for extension (13.3±5.16). Respondents considered irregular visits of extension
agents (100.0%) as the most severe constraints to utilization of services. Majority (80.9%)
recorded low productivity. Respondents’ productivity was influenced by farming experience (β=
-0.193), family size (β=-0.111), farm size (β=-0.187), membership of association (β=0.112), and
production capacity (β=0.096. Extension agencies were not effectively meeting the aspirations
of cassava farmers. Extension agencies should therefore be more accessible and provide cassava
farmers with effective support services for improved productivity.
