ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF RUBBER FARMERS IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

Abstract

The focus of this study was to assess the agricultural extension services on the performance of rubber farmers in Benin City, Edo State. Emphasis was placed on identification of socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, instigating various extension methods used by the extension officers, assessment of the constraints to effective communication among the extension officers and determination of the effect of agricultural extension service on the performance of rubber farmers in the study area. The study was conducted in Ikpoba okha and Egor local Government areas. Eight villages were purposively selected from the two Local Government areas. Interview schedule and questionnaire were used to collect information from Two-hundred and thirty rubber farmers in the selected areas. Descriptive statistical techniques such as the frequency counts, mean ranking and percentage were used to analyse the data. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the effect of agricultural extension services on the performance of rubber farmers in the study area. The results showed that over 70% were male while 29.7% were female. The result also revealed that 49.7% were in the age range of 41-50 years while 5% were less or equal to20 years. The result revealed that majority of the respondents were married. 74.9% results also revealed that 85% of the farmers were literate having one form of education or the other. The results also revealed that majority of the respondents are old in the business in terms of years of experience. Results of data analysis indicated that field day is the most important communication method used by the extension officers followed by SPAT and method demonstration while the least method used by the extension officers is radio programme. Time factor and lack of funds were the most influencing constraints to effective communication among the extension agents and the rubber farmers. Result of the hypothesis tested indicated that agricultural extension services has no significant effect on the performance of rubber farmers in the study area (P=0.000) . Therefore, agricultural extension services; Training, Workshop, Seminars and Technical Assistance significantly affect the performance of rubber farmers in Edo South Senatorial district of Edo State. The study recommends among others that adequate transportation facilities should be given to the extension workers to allow for effective performance.