Effectiveness of Extension Service Delivery and Productivity of Cassava Farmers in Southwestern Nigeria

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.