Extension communication channels usage and preference by farmers in Benue State, Nigeria

Type Journal Article - Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Title Extension communication channels usage and preference by farmers in Benue State, Nigeria
Author(s)
Volume 3
Issue 5
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2011
Page numbers 88-94
URL http://www.academicjournals.org/journal/JAERD/article-full-text-pdf/85861421491
Abstract
The study assessed farmers’ use and preference of extension communication channels in Benue State,
Nigeria. A sample of 316 farmers was selected through a stratified random sampling technique and
interview schedule was used in eliciting information from them. Descriptive and inferential statistics
were used for data analyses. Interpersonal communication channels were generally found to be more
available, accessible and used by the farmers than the mass media to obtain information on improved
farm technologies. Relatives/friends/neighbours constituted the most regularly available, accessible
and used interpersonal channels although extension agents and television were mentioned by the
farmers as the most preferred interpersonal channel and mass medium, respectively. Chi-square
analysis shows that there is significant relationship between frequency of communication channels use
by farmers and their educational level, sex, farm size and farming experience. It is recommended that
rural radio booster stations and community rural television stations are established to feature special
programmes targeted at rural farmers. To ensure regular availability and accessibility of extension
agents (the farmers most preferred channel), efforts should be made to employ more extension agents.

Related studies

»