The study examined the strategies for improving the livelihood of rural dwellers
through extension delivery services in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area
of Imo state. Sixty respondents were randomly selected from a list of rural
dwellers made available by the Agricultural Development Officers in the study
area. The instrument of data collection was questionnaire and personal
observation, descriptive statistics was used in data analysis. The field result
showed that the mean age of the respondents were 41 years. They were mostly
women and 65% of them are married most of the respondents were generally
literate; the mean household size was about 6 the major occupation of the
respondents is farming. 42% of the literate respondents earn above ten thousand
(N10, 000) monthly and have many years of farming experience. Out of the
seven (7) extensions packages/ programs listed six (6) were agreed to have been
disseminated improved seeds and livestock management practices were found
to be programmes that have made greater impact on their livelihood. Also all
participated in extension programme and package that tend to improve the
livelihood of the rural farmers were not direct extension services. Lack of credit
facilities, unavailability of marketing; high transportation costs, high costs of
inputs as poor storage facilities were found to be serious problems that hinder
participation in extension services. Age, gender, marital status, educational
level and farming experiences were significantly and positively related to the
level of adoption of extension packages and programmes. It was recommended
that farm inputs should be supplied to the rural farmers at a subsidized rate and
programmes on food storage and processing should be made accessible to the
rural people in the study area.