ASSESSMENT OF THE TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PROGRAMMES FOR RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN NIGER STATE

Abstract

Agriculture is a key driver in poverty mitigation and the eventual attainment of economic development of many countries. Agriculturalists and other players in rural development need better access to technical information, knowledge, and advice, and must link with other actors in agri-food markets and value chains to improve their livelihoods. Extension makes relevant information available to farmers in the areas of production, cultural practices, market and marketing. This information assists rural farmers to develop small enterprises and discovering new alternatives for obtaining profits. As such, this study assessed the types of agricultural extension programmes provided for rural community development in Niger State. The objective of the study was guided by a research question. The study employed descriptive survey design. Community leaders, rural farmers and agricultural extension worker were the target population for this research. Sample size of one hundred and fifty (150) was used for the study. Questionnaire  was used to generate data from the respondents. The findings of the study revealed that agricultural extension programmes provided in Niger State  include identification of  farmer’s needs, attitude change of the  rural farmers, leadership development among farmers in the communities, awareness creation among  farmers, youths development through agriculture, and improved home making through agricultural activities among others. The study recommended among others that extension education programmes should be managed in such a way that the farmers would be actively involved in identifying their agricultural needs.It also recommended that improved strategies should be employed by the extension workers to change the farmer’s attitude for the best agricultural practice.