This document analyzes the information needs of agricultural extension agents in rural Ghana. It discusses how access to relevant and timely information is crucial for extension agents to effectively disseminate information to small-scale farmers and help increase agricultural production. The study assessed the information needs of 130 extension agents across eight districts of northern Ghana. It found that major gaps exist in the extension agents' knowledge of technical and legal information needed by farmers, hindering improvements in productivity. The document recommends that extension agent training include computer literacy to improve their access to internet resources and agricultural information.
The document discusses a study on the information needs of agricultural extension officers in Ghana. It provides background on the importance of agriculture to Ghana's economy and issues such as low yields, growth and food insecurity. The study aimed to analyze the information needs of extension agents in a district of Ghana. It reviewed literature on extension delivery in Ghana and information needs of agents. The methodology involved questionnaires administered to farmers and agents to assess their information needs. Key findings included the technical, commercial, social and legal information needs of extension agents based on scores in different areas like pest control, marketing and legislation.
Journalists’ attitudes towards the coverage of agricultural and rural develop...Alexander Decker
This study examined journalists' attitudes toward covering agricultural and rural development news in Ogun State, Nigeria. The researchers surveyed 40 journalists and found that most were male, married, Christian, and had 6-10 years of experience. The majority cited organizational problems, lack of transportation to rural areas, poor roads, inadequate equipment, and lack of audience interest as constraints. Older and more experienced journalists had a more negative perception of covering agricultural news. There was an inverse relationship between constraints faced and amount of coverage - the more constraints, the less coverage. The researchers concluded that journalists were generally not well-disposed toward covering agricultural news due to these challenges.
Effects of Agricultural Extension Services on the Performance of Members of W...ijtsrd
This document summarizes a research study that examined the effects of agricultural extension services on the performance of women in agricultural cooperatives in Southeast Nigeria. The study used a survey of 399 women cooperative members. Key findings included:
1) The socioeconomic characteristics of cooperative members, such as age, education level, occupation, and income, significantly influenced their use of extension services.
2) Higher levels of use of extension services, including the transfer of technologies, advisory services, and facilitation, had a significant positive effect on members' agricultural income and output.
3) The study concluded that providing education and training to help women better understand and take advantage of extension services and programs could improve agricultural production and women farmers'
Farmer to farmer extension approach: Analysis of extent of adoption by smallh...Premier Publishers
Agricultural extension programs are key means for assisting farmers with information and technology to expand their abilities and improve production. Of late, Zimbabwe has witnessed increased investments by both the government and the development community in the Farmer to Farmer (F2F) extension approach as a key strategy of complementing the overburdened and severely underfunded public extension and advisory services in increasing extension coverage. This study sought to assess the extent of adoption of the F2F extension approach as a major source of extension and advisory services. The study used a sample of 479 smallholder farmers that was drawn using a multi-stage random sampling approach from 6 districts in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces of Zimbabwe. The study found that adoption of the F2F extension approach was low with only 43% of the sampled farmers using the approach. Theadoption of the approach was also found to be similar across gender, districts and agro-ecological zones. Results of the binary logistic regression revealed that access to public extension services, training of farmers using the non-block training approach, number of extension visits received by a farmer per year, total area cropped, agro-ecological zone V, and adoption of improved farming practices were significant factors that encouraged the adoption of the farmer to farmer extension approach by smallholder farmers. The study suggests that two things, above all,are important in promoting the adoption of the F2F extension approach by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. These are:first, improving access to public extension services to backstop lead farmers andsecond, training farmers using the non-block training approach as it encourages more interaction amongst farmers as they validate each other in the application of new technologies.
Influence of Socio-Economic Characteristics on the Utilization ofHudu Zakaria
This document summarizes a study that examined how socioeconomic factors influence the utilization of development interventions by shea butter processors in Northern Ghana. The study found that age, access to credit, source of start-up capital, and marital status were significantly associated with utilization of interventions provided by NGOs and government agencies to improve the shea butter industry. Despite numerous interventions, poverty remains high, possibly due to underutilization of support programs. The study calls for policies that better address socioeconomic backgrounds to increase utilization of interventions designed to boost the industry and livelihoods of rural women.
Assessment of public and private extension administration in southwestern nig...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study that assessed public and private agricultural extension administration in Southwestern Nigeria. 270 farmers across 3 states were surveyed about their involvement in extension programs from the public Agricultural Development Project (ADP) and two private organizations. Results showed higher participation in private extension activities and that factors like financial support, input supply, and advisory services determined farmers' choice of programs. Statistical tests found no significant difference in farmers' attitudes toward public and private extension or relationship between attitude and participation level. The study concluded that private extension administration was more effective and recommended a merger of public and private sectors to improve extension services.
Towards Indian Agricultural Information: A Need Based Information Flow Modelinventionjournals
Information is crucial for agriculture and rural development. ICT based services in agriculture is gaining importance day by day. Paper proposes to study the nature of agricultural information its uniqueness and problems of handling and organization. Agri informatics and use of different web portals for agriculture also discussed. Paper also highlighted the ICAR and IARIs contribution towards development of NARS (National Agricultural Research System) and models showing Information flow and strategic plan for organization of agricultural information. Some recommendations for proper organization and dissemination of agricultural information have been made to reach grass root level with desired agricultural information.
The document discusses a study on the information needs of agricultural extension officers in Ghana. It provides background on the importance of agriculture to Ghana's economy and issues such as low yields, growth and food insecurity. The study aimed to analyze the information needs of extension agents in a district of Ghana. It reviewed literature on extension delivery in Ghana and information needs of agents. The methodology involved questionnaires administered to farmers and agents to assess their information needs. Key findings included the technical, commercial, social and legal information needs of extension agents based on scores in different areas like pest control, marketing and legislation.
Journalists’ attitudes towards the coverage of agricultural and rural develop...Alexander Decker
This study examined journalists' attitudes toward covering agricultural and rural development news in Ogun State, Nigeria. The researchers surveyed 40 journalists and found that most were male, married, Christian, and had 6-10 years of experience. The majority cited organizational problems, lack of transportation to rural areas, poor roads, inadequate equipment, and lack of audience interest as constraints. Older and more experienced journalists had a more negative perception of covering agricultural news. There was an inverse relationship between constraints faced and amount of coverage - the more constraints, the less coverage. The researchers concluded that journalists were generally not well-disposed toward covering agricultural news due to these challenges.
Effects of Agricultural Extension Services on the Performance of Members of W...ijtsrd
This document summarizes a research study that examined the effects of agricultural extension services on the performance of women in agricultural cooperatives in Southeast Nigeria. The study used a survey of 399 women cooperative members. Key findings included:
1) The socioeconomic characteristics of cooperative members, such as age, education level, occupation, and income, significantly influenced their use of extension services.
2) Higher levels of use of extension services, including the transfer of technologies, advisory services, and facilitation, had a significant positive effect on members' agricultural income and output.
3) The study concluded that providing education and training to help women better understand and take advantage of extension services and programs could improve agricultural production and women farmers'
Farmer to farmer extension approach: Analysis of extent of adoption by smallh...Premier Publishers
Agricultural extension programs are key means for assisting farmers with information and technology to expand their abilities and improve production. Of late, Zimbabwe has witnessed increased investments by both the government and the development community in the Farmer to Farmer (F2F) extension approach as a key strategy of complementing the overburdened and severely underfunded public extension and advisory services in increasing extension coverage. This study sought to assess the extent of adoption of the F2F extension approach as a major source of extension and advisory services. The study used a sample of 479 smallholder farmers that was drawn using a multi-stage random sampling approach from 6 districts in Manicaland and Masvingo provinces of Zimbabwe. The study found that adoption of the F2F extension approach was low with only 43% of the sampled farmers using the approach. Theadoption of the approach was also found to be similar across gender, districts and agro-ecological zones. Results of the binary logistic regression revealed that access to public extension services, training of farmers using the non-block training approach, number of extension visits received by a farmer per year, total area cropped, agro-ecological zone V, and adoption of improved farming practices were significant factors that encouraged the adoption of the farmer to farmer extension approach by smallholder farmers. The study suggests that two things, above all,are important in promoting the adoption of the F2F extension approach by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. These are:first, improving access to public extension services to backstop lead farmers andsecond, training farmers using the non-block training approach as it encourages more interaction amongst farmers as they validate each other in the application of new technologies.
Influence of Socio-Economic Characteristics on the Utilization ofHudu Zakaria
This document summarizes a study that examined how socioeconomic factors influence the utilization of development interventions by shea butter processors in Northern Ghana. The study found that age, access to credit, source of start-up capital, and marital status were significantly associated with utilization of interventions provided by NGOs and government agencies to improve the shea butter industry. Despite numerous interventions, poverty remains high, possibly due to underutilization of support programs. The study calls for policies that better address socioeconomic backgrounds to increase utilization of interventions designed to boost the industry and livelihoods of rural women.
Assessment of public and private extension administration in southwestern nig...Alexander Decker
This document summarizes a study that assessed public and private agricultural extension administration in Southwestern Nigeria. 270 farmers across 3 states were surveyed about their involvement in extension programs from the public Agricultural Development Project (ADP) and two private organizations. Results showed higher participation in private extension activities and that factors like financial support, input supply, and advisory services determined farmers' choice of programs. Statistical tests found no significant difference in farmers' attitudes toward public and private extension or relationship between attitude and participation level. The study concluded that private extension administration was more effective and recommended a merger of public and private sectors to improve extension services.
Towards Indian Agricultural Information: A Need Based Information Flow Modelinventionjournals
Information is crucial for agriculture and rural development. ICT based services in agriculture is gaining importance day by day. Paper proposes to study the nature of agricultural information its uniqueness and problems of handling and organization. Agri informatics and use of different web portals for agriculture also discussed. Paper also highlighted the ICAR and IARIs contribution towards development of NARS (National Agricultural Research System) and models showing Information flow and strategic plan for organization of agricultural information. Some recommendations for proper organization and dissemination of agricultural information have been made to reach grass root level with desired agricultural information.
Analysis of farmers Participation in Public Agricultural Extension Services: ...Premier Publishers
The study analyzed female-headed and male-headed households’ participation in public agricultural extension services: The Case of Meskan Woreda, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. The objectives were to assess participation of female-headed and male-headed farmers in major crop and livestock extension packages, and to identify determinants of participation. A multi-stage purposive sampling technique was employed to select Region, Woredas, and Kebeles. Samples were taken from four Kebeles: Wita, Yimariwacho third, Mesrak meskan and Welansho second based agro ecology using probability proportional to size sampling technique. Finally, a total of (143) sampled male (92) and female-headed households (51) were selected by using systematic random sampling method. Sampled household heads survey data were collected using pre-tested structured interview schedule, focus group discussions and key informants interview. Descriptive and Binary logistic were employed to analyze the collected survey data. Among 14 explanatory variables included in to the logit model: land size, Development agent contact frequency, and mass media exposure had positive and statistically significant while sex, age and market distance had negative and statistically significant on Farming household head’s in crop and livestock extension services. The study recommends that, enhancing efficient delivery of services and increasing young age of household head farmers in terms of equal sex participation, farm size, Development agent contact, and mass media access would improve household head farmers’ participation in public agricultural extension services.
Determinants of Farmers’ Adoption of Agricultural Development Programme Exten...BRNSS Publication Hub
The study analyzed the determinants of farmers’ adoption of Agricultural Development Programme (ADP)
extension technology packages in Ivo L.G.A of Ebonyi State. Multistage sampling procedure was employed
to select 80 farmers and eight extension agents who formed the respondents for the study. Data were
collected through the aid of questionnaire and interview schedule whereas the analysis was done using
descriptive and inferential statistics suiting each specific objective. The result showed that most of the
farmers (82.50%) and extension agents (75%) were males, respectively. Evidence showed that the mean age
of the farmers was 37 years while the mean age of the extension agents was 44 years. It was obvious that
67.50% and 75% of the farmers and extension agents were, respectively, married. The mean annual income
of the farmers and extension agents was ₦98,070 and ₦504,200, respectively. The result showed further
that about 81.9% change in the dependent variable (adoption of extension technology packages) was caused
by variations of socio-economic characteristics included in the regression model. The following were the
research recommendations; educational facilities should be made available for rural farmers to enhance
easy adoption of ADP extension technology packages to enhance production; government and NGOs should
endeavor to subsidize the cost of ADP extension technology packages to enhance easy adoption by rural
farmers; and credit institutions are advised to give farmers loans to enhance their accessibility of ADP
extension technology packages in the area
Farmers necessitate vast information to sustain their farmhouse activities. Information is
required not just on better and best practices & advanced technologies for production of crop
which is gained through Green Revolution but as well information about post harvest
perspectives including handling, processing, promoting, storage & marketing. Farmers need
access to convenient, firm, and pertinent information that can support intricacy inside which
their farm activities work. Even though farming expansion today has a wide array, this survey
demonstrates that in spite of pluralistic augmentation methods in India, the scope &
utilization of the said services are constrained. The purpose of this paper is to analyze rural
extension programs in of general society, private and third parts in India. The paper
investigates; fundamentals of extension, significance of rural extension, agribusiness
extension methodologies in India, general difficulties and limitations of agricultural extension
Influence of Farmer Group Membership on the Practice of Improved Agricultural...paperpublications3
The study examined the influence of farmer group membership on the practice of improved agricultural technologies by farmers in Nyamusi division of Nyamira County. Multi-stage and stratified sampling techniques were applied for sample selection. Data collection was done by use of semi-structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used for data analysis. Among the descriptive statistic techniques used included Mean, Standard Deviations and frequencies. For Inferential statistics, chi-square and cross tabulation were used to establish relationships between dependent and the independent variables. A total of 332 questionnaires were filled by the sampled farmers but only 304 were completely and adequately filled and analysed. The analysed data was presented using tables. From the analysis 229(75.3%) of the farmers belonged to a farmer group while 75(24.7%) were not members of any farmer group. The results indicated that the relationship was significant at 0.005 and 0.006 for the practice of greenhouse farming and Artificial insemination respectively. It can be concluded that membership in a farmer group increased the chance of a farmer practice of greenhouse farming and Artificial insemination. The study recommends that government should facilitate the Farmer Groups to transform their organizations into cooperatives in order to gain legal identify to transact business, increase their bargaining power and intensify their collective voices in policy engagement.
Influence of Farmer Level of Education on the Practice of Improved Agricultur...paperpublications3
Abstract: The study examined the influence of farmers’ education level on the practice of improved agricultural technologies by farmers in Nyamusi division of Nyamira County. Multi-stage and stratified sampling techniques were applied for sample selection. Data collection was done by use of semi-structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used for data analysis. Among the descriptive statistic techniques used included Mean, Standard Deviations and frequencies. For Inferential statistics, correlation, Chi-square and cross tabulation were used to establish relationships between dependent and the independent variables. Internal consistency technique was used to ensure reliability of the research instrument through the computation of Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha and was found to be 0.81 which meant that the data collection instrument was consistent and reliable. A total of 332 questionnaires were filled by the sampled farmers but only 304 were completely and adequately filled and analysed giving a Questionnaire Return Rate (QRR) of 91.6%. The analysed data was presented using tables. The study revealed that 44.4% of the farmers had completed primary level education. The study established that farmer level of education did not significantly influence the practice of agricultural technologies. In order to boost farmer literacy levels, the study recommends that the Directorate of Adult and Continuing Education should consider working with farmer groups in promoting functionality of literacy centres.
Analysis of the Usage of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in Acce...AJSERJournal
Owing to the importance of information communication technologies on activities of rural households, this
study analyzed the usage of ICTs in dissemination of agricultural information to smallholder farmers in Kwara state,
Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 210 smallholder farmers which were selected
using both random and systematic sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and chi square were used to analyze
data. The results reveal that the mean age of the farmers was 37.6 years, while 52.9% of the farmers were females. The
three most important ICT tools used by farmers were mobile phone, radio and television. There was relevance and
timeliness in the quality of information through radio and mobile phone, respectively based on farmers’ perception.
However, the major constraints identified by farmers were erratic power supply, high call rates and bad networks.
There was significant relationship between respondents’ age (χ2=17.333., p= 0.010), gender (χ2=32.267., p= 0.000),
education (χ2=122.000, p= 0.000), marital status (χ2=18.467, p= 0.048) and the type of ICTs used in agricultural
information dissemination. The study therefore concludes that ICTs is well used by the farmers. The study recommends
amongst others the need for relevant stakeholders to set up an enabling environment that will enhance economic
development.
The role of private extension agencies in agricultural development of kaduna ...Alexander Decker
This study examined the role of the Leventis Foundation Agricultural Training School (LFATS) in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study found that participants of LFATS were generally younger, more educated, and had less farming experience than non-participants. Participants reported receiving adequate training from LFATS in livestock production, crop production, and farm product processing. Statistical analysis revealed the crop yields of participants were significantly higher than those of non-participants, indicating the training from LFATS helped improve agricultural productivity. The study concluded LFATS plays an important role in agricultural advancement and youth empowerment in Kaduna State. It was recommended that other organizations collaborate with LFATS to improve access to agricultural inputs for participants.
Source, Availability and Use of Agricultural Informationby Extension Agents i...paperpublications3
Abstract: Assessment of the agricultural information systems and communication arrangement used by extension workers provided a framework to identify the strength and weaknesses of the current systems and led to recommendations to improve their performance. Structured interviews were used to collect data from a randomly selected twenty eight extension workers of the Sidama zone of SNNPRs. The data analysis was performed using SPSS. The responses indicated that Woreda agricultural office top rated (77.8%), followed by mass media (55.6%), news paper (51.9%) and mobile (37%) by delivering agricultural information regularly. The result of the study shows that all of the respondents (100%) have got agricultural information in the form of training and extension meeting. Similarly, 96.3% have got from local radio program and 88.9% from field visit, manual and national radio program. In addition to this, national television program, leaflets, and regional television program serves as source of agricultural information for 74.1, 74.1, and 70.4% of the respondents respectively whereas reports and websites provide agricultural information for 3.7 and7.4% respectively. Among the respondents, the majority (59.3%) have used notebook to file agricultural information obtained from different sources through different means. However, 3.7 and 29.6% of them have been used farmers training centers (FTC) and kept the original document to file the available agricultural information. Based on the result of the study most (74.04%) of the respondents were highly motivated on their work. However 22.2 and 3.7% of them were low and medium motivated on their work respectively. The study revealed that extension agents in the study area had adequate job autonomy. However the extension workers did not have an appropriate information management system. The finding of this research revealed that the governments need to frame sensitive policies to address the problem of the extension workers loyalty to their organization in order to increase their commitment in which they play vital roles in agricultural development.
Job Performance and Job Satisfaction of Agricultural Extension Agents Inriver...iosrjce
Employees who are satisfied tends to be more productive, creative and committed. The job
performance and job satisfaction of Extension Agents (EAs) in Rivers State Agricultural Development Projects
(ADP) were investigated. The population of study included all 216 male and female EAs in the study area.
Multistage sampling procedure was employed to selected 48EAs who comprised the sample for the study. Data
were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Relevant data were analyzed using descriptive statistics
such as mean, percentages, pooled mean and ranking. Among others, it was found that about 90% of the EAs
were male, more than 77% were aged 31-40 years, over 93% were married and about 91% were academically
qualified. Majority of the respondents were living outside their circles whole 72%-93% of all the EAs were only
able to achieved less than 34%of expected regular field visits, attendance to Block and Fortnightly Meetings,
establishment of On Farm Research (OFR) and the number of Small Plot Adoption Techniques (SPATs).
Although, majority of the respondents were satisfied with their job routines and relationships existing among
farmers and other staff of the extension service, they were not satisfied with remuneration and allowances,
opportunities for promotion and their general work environments. It was recommended that more EAs,
especially females be recruited systematically until a 1:1 male: female EA ratio is achieved. The government
should overhaul the current UAES which appears to have gone moribund. The need to review the salaries and
allowances of EAs upward while upgrading general facilities for a more effective extension service was also recommended
Do Investments in Agricultural Extension Deliver Positive Benefits to Health,...Premier Publishers
The study provides an overview of the state of Agricultural Extension with the major aim of identifying gaps and areas of advocacy in the laws and policies that govern extension service delivery in Uganda, document the linkages and analytical trends between agricultural extension and performance of Health, Trade and Industry and Water and Environment sectors, as well as establish the value of each shilling or dollar invested in agricultural extension. Using secondary sources of data and Statistical Based Costing methods, the results revealed that the state of agricultural extension services in Uganda is wanting. Adoption of improved technologies was very low and technology misuse was very rampant. In livestock, the quality of veterinary services and their use were particularly very low. Our results showed that the unit cost of providing agricultural extension services that result in increased productivity, better nutrition as well as higher incomes to farmers is UGX 66,290 per visit. The total cost of not providing agricultural extension is extremely high and the country stands to lose greatly due to the multiplier effect and spillover effect of agricultural extension in other productive sectors. There is certainly need to invest in agricultural extension both in crop and livestock sectors.
This document discusses options for institutional reforms to Ghana's agricultural and rural extension frameworks. It analyzes the country's current extension system, the National Agricultural Extension Project (NAEP), which uses a "Training and Visit" approach focused on technology transfer. However, the document argues this approach is insufficient and a shift is needed to focus on developing farmers' human and social capital. It summarizes perspectives that emphasize improving management skills, organizations, and post-harvest activities over simple technology transfer. The document advocates for a pluralistic extension system involving various public, private and civil society organizations to better address farmers' diverse needs and challenges facing Ghana's agricultural sector.
Climate resilience and job prospects for young people in agricultureIFPRI-PIM
Climate change matters for all people. Does it matter particularly for young people? If so, where and how?
PIM Webinar, February 7, 2019.
Presenters: Karen Brooks, Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University and Keith Wiebe, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI.
For more information, slides, and podcast visit http://bit.ly/CRJYwebr
This document reviews the information needs of rice farmers in Nigeria. It discusses the concept of information needs and assesses the specific information needs of rice farmers, including improved rice varieties, farming techniques, and marketing information. The document also covers rice farmers' access to information sources and constraints they face in obtaining relevant information. Recommendations include adult education programs for farmers and using information and communication technologies to better deliver agricultural information to rice farmers.
Performance Implication of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program...ijtsrd
In a bid to revitalize the ailing agricultural sector in Nigeria, several programmes have been introduced by the government, one of such programmes is Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 Atasp 1 . Hence, this study was necessitated to look at the performance implication of the programme on participant farmers in Southeast Nigeria. The study specifically determined the effect of ATASP 1 interventions on the farm income of participants and ascertained the effect of ATASP 1 intervention on the farm profit of participants. A survey research design was adopted for the study. A total of 8,585 Rice 3248 and Cassava 5337 farmers are participating in the programme from Anambra and Enugu constituted the population for the study. A multi stage sampling technique was employed by the researcher. Taro Yamane sample size determination formula was further used to derive the sample size 730 of the study. R. Kumaison formula was adopted to allocate sample stratum for the study. Primary and secondary data were collected and used in the study. A combination of descriptive, regression and inferential statistics were utilized in data analysis. Results revealed that Pseudo R2 was 0.435 which implies that 43.5 variation in farmer's income was explained by the joint action of the programme interventions and that the Pseudo R2 was 0.300 which implies that the programme interventions explained 30.0 variation in the profit of farmers. Hence, it was concluded that ATASP 1 is a signifant and right step in the right direction to regalvanize the agricultural sector and give it the pride of place it desearves. Among others, the study recommended that there is a need for the programme to increase its efforts on financial market development intervention and that the programme implementers and policymakers are encouraged to increase their intervention in rural areas. Johnpaul Chimnedum Onyekineso | Nwankwo Frank "Performance Implication of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 (Atasp-1): A Southeast Nigeria Experience" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-6 , October 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd46410.pdf Paper URL : https://www.ijtsrd.com/management/business-economics/46410/performance-implication-of-agricultural-transformation-agenda-support-program-phase-1-atasp1-a-southeast-nigeria-experience/johnpaul-chimnedum-onyekineso
Analysis of Factors Influencing Participation of Farm Households in Watermelo...AJSERJournal
The study analyzed the factors influencing participation of farm households’ in watermelon production in
the study areas. Three local government areas out of Sokoto state were purposively selected. Questionnaire was used
to collect data. Multistage of sampling techniques were used to arrive at the sample size of 181 farm households’ for
the study. Likert scale is used to analyse the level of participation of farm households’, frequency and inferential
statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that (55.8%) of the farm households are within the ages
of 25-30 years, majority (96.7%) are male It shows that majority (64.0%) of the farm households participated in
watermelon production as a result of higher income generated. Multiple regression analysis result revealed significant
relationships between farm households participation in watermelon production and their socio-economic
characteristics at P<0.05. The constraints faced by the farm households are storage technology and improved
agricultural inputs. Most (63.5%) of the farm households believed that provision of subsidized agricultural inputs and
market accessibility are forms of assistance that will encourages farm households to partake in watermelon production.
It is recommended that government and donor agencies should encourage farm households’ by providing them with
the modern agricultural inputs so as to influence them to participate fully into watermelon production irrespective of
their Socio-economic differences.
Effect of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 Atasp 1 ...ijtsrd
This study examined the effect of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase 1 ATASP 1 on Farmers Performance in Southeast, Nigeria. It used a well structured questionnaire to collect data from a cross section of randomly selected 730 respondents. A combination of analytical tools such as descriptive statistics, Tobit and multiple regression analysis and inferential statistics were used for analysis. The study found that 56.6 of the farmers are males with an average age of 44 years, who are 87.8 married and have 10 years of formal schooling. Apart from over 19 years farming experience, the average 6 people per household is large enough to supply cheap family labour to the farmers. The study found out that the programme interventions are classified into three important components, which are infrastructure, financial market and commodity value chain development. It was also revealed that farmers adopted the following agricultural technologies the use of improved seed varieties, the use of ICT extension facilities, and keeping a good farm processing record to track changes, among others. The study, therefore, recommended among others, that the programme implementers need to be transparent in their disbursement and implementation of the project mandates and that there is a need to improve the literacy level of the farmers, as this will go a long way to improve their possibilities of technology adoption. Johnpaul Chimnedum Onyekineso | Nwankwo Frank "Effect of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 (Atasp-1) on Farmers' Performance in Southeast, Nigeria" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-6 , October 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd46407.pdf Paper URL : https://www.ijtsrd.com/management/business-economics/46407/effect-of-agricultural-transformation-agenda-support-program-phase-1-atasp1-on-farmers'-performance-in-southeast-nigeria/johnpaul-chimnedum-onyekineso
Accessibility and utilization of ICT facilities by extension agents and farme...Premier Publishers
This study principally assessed the availability, accessibility and utilization of ICT facilities by Extension Agents and Farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana. A sample size of 180 respondents consisting of ninety (90) Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) and ninety (90) farmers were interviewed and the results analyzed. Simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used in selecting respondents. The data were analyzed using appropriate descriptive statistics. The results of the study revealed that phone and radio were the most available, accessible and commonly used ICTs by AEAs and farmers for extension service delivery in the Northern Region of Ghana. The result of the study also indicated a direct relationship between the level of education of AEAs and the use of ICTs in providing extension service to farmers. This relationship calls for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to put into action its existing ICT policy which includes training of AEAs in the use of ICTs. The study recommended that AEAs should be given phone card units to ensure its effective utilization.
The document discusses Brazil's efforts to alleviate poverty and hunger through innovations in rural extension services and policies supporting family farms. It notes that Brazil has over 4.5 million family farms and outlines key events and policies from 2003 onward that aimed to promote social inclusion, sustainable development, and increased support for family farming through its PNATER extension program. Some of the main challenges discussed are adopting new concepts, institutionalizing PNATER, increasing coverage, improving quality, and measuring results.
EXTENSION POLICY: LESSONS FROM MEAS EXPERIENCEAFAAS
This document summarizes a presentation on lessons learned from recent extension policy experiences. It discusses the importance of defining extension policy, ensuring policy alignment between agricultural and extension policies, and engaging private stakeholders in the policy process. It also notes key questions around policy implementation, evaluation, and linking policy to improved extension effectiveness. The presentation aims to facilitate discussion on developing effective, sustainable extension policies that improve people's lives.
Professor Carlos Bacha presents new research looking at how Brazilian agricultural production has intensified and diversified since 1990. Read the full research at http://www.brazil4africa.org/publications
Experience of the Ghana Agricultural Information Network Systems (GAINS)iaaldafrika
PowerPoint presentation on GAINS activities presented at the IAALD Africa Chapter session at the Joint Conference of IAALD, AFITA and WCCA, 24 - 27 August 2008, Atsugi, Japan
Analysis of farmers Participation in Public Agricultural Extension Services: ...Premier Publishers
The study analyzed female-headed and male-headed households’ participation in public agricultural extension services: The Case of Meskan Woreda, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. The objectives were to assess participation of female-headed and male-headed farmers in major crop and livestock extension packages, and to identify determinants of participation. A multi-stage purposive sampling technique was employed to select Region, Woredas, and Kebeles. Samples were taken from four Kebeles: Wita, Yimariwacho third, Mesrak meskan and Welansho second based agro ecology using probability proportional to size sampling technique. Finally, a total of (143) sampled male (92) and female-headed households (51) were selected by using systematic random sampling method. Sampled household heads survey data were collected using pre-tested structured interview schedule, focus group discussions and key informants interview. Descriptive and Binary logistic were employed to analyze the collected survey data. Among 14 explanatory variables included in to the logit model: land size, Development agent contact frequency, and mass media exposure had positive and statistically significant while sex, age and market distance had negative and statistically significant on Farming household head’s in crop and livestock extension services. The study recommends that, enhancing efficient delivery of services and increasing young age of household head farmers in terms of equal sex participation, farm size, Development agent contact, and mass media access would improve household head farmers’ participation in public agricultural extension services.
Determinants of Farmers’ Adoption of Agricultural Development Programme Exten...BRNSS Publication Hub
The study analyzed the determinants of farmers’ adoption of Agricultural Development Programme (ADP)
extension technology packages in Ivo L.G.A of Ebonyi State. Multistage sampling procedure was employed
to select 80 farmers and eight extension agents who formed the respondents for the study. Data were
collected through the aid of questionnaire and interview schedule whereas the analysis was done using
descriptive and inferential statistics suiting each specific objective. The result showed that most of the
farmers (82.50%) and extension agents (75%) were males, respectively. Evidence showed that the mean age
of the farmers was 37 years while the mean age of the extension agents was 44 years. It was obvious that
67.50% and 75% of the farmers and extension agents were, respectively, married. The mean annual income
of the farmers and extension agents was ₦98,070 and ₦504,200, respectively. The result showed further
that about 81.9% change in the dependent variable (adoption of extension technology packages) was caused
by variations of socio-economic characteristics included in the regression model. The following were the
research recommendations; educational facilities should be made available for rural farmers to enhance
easy adoption of ADP extension technology packages to enhance production; government and NGOs should
endeavor to subsidize the cost of ADP extension technology packages to enhance easy adoption by rural
farmers; and credit institutions are advised to give farmers loans to enhance their accessibility of ADP
extension technology packages in the area
Farmers necessitate vast information to sustain their farmhouse activities. Information is
required not just on better and best practices & advanced technologies for production of crop
which is gained through Green Revolution but as well information about post harvest
perspectives including handling, processing, promoting, storage & marketing. Farmers need
access to convenient, firm, and pertinent information that can support intricacy inside which
their farm activities work. Even though farming expansion today has a wide array, this survey
demonstrates that in spite of pluralistic augmentation methods in India, the scope &
utilization of the said services are constrained. The purpose of this paper is to analyze rural
extension programs in of general society, private and third parts in India. The paper
investigates; fundamentals of extension, significance of rural extension, agribusiness
extension methodologies in India, general difficulties and limitations of agricultural extension
Influence of Farmer Group Membership on the Practice of Improved Agricultural...paperpublications3
The study examined the influence of farmer group membership on the practice of improved agricultural technologies by farmers in Nyamusi division of Nyamira County. Multi-stage and stratified sampling techniques were applied for sample selection. Data collection was done by use of semi-structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used for data analysis. Among the descriptive statistic techniques used included Mean, Standard Deviations and frequencies. For Inferential statistics, chi-square and cross tabulation were used to establish relationships between dependent and the independent variables. A total of 332 questionnaires were filled by the sampled farmers but only 304 were completely and adequately filled and analysed. The analysed data was presented using tables. From the analysis 229(75.3%) of the farmers belonged to a farmer group while 75(24.7%) were not members of any farmer group. The results indicated that the relationship was significant at 0.005 and 0.006 for the practice of greenhouse farming and Artificial insemination respectively. It can be concluded that membership in a farmer group increased the chance of a farmer practice of greenhouse farming and Artificial insemination. The study recommends that government should facilitate the Farmer Groups to transform their organizations into cooperatives in order to gain legal identify to transact business, increase their bargaining power and intensify their collective voices in policy engagement.
Influence of Farmer Level of Education on the Practice of Improved Agricultur...paperpublications3
Abstract: The study examined the influence of farmers’ education level on the practice of improved agricultural technologies by farmers in Nyamusi division of Nyamira County. Multi-stage and stratified sampling techniques were applied for sample selection. Data collection was done by use of semi-structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used for data analysis. Among the descriptive statistic techniques used included Mean, Standard Deviations and frequencies. For Inferential statistics, correlation, Chi-square and cross tabulation were used to establish relationships between dependent and the independent variables. Internal consistency technique was used to ensure reliability of the research instrument through the computation of Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha and was found to be 0.81 which meant that the data collection instrument was consistent and reliable. A total of 332 questionnaires were filled by the sampled farmers but only 304 were completely and adequately filled and analysed giving a Questionnaire Return Rate (QRR) of 91.6%. The analysed data was presented using tables. The study revealed that 44.4% of the farmers had completed primary level education. The study established that farmer level of education did not significantly influence the practice of agricultural technologies. In order to boost farmer literacy levels, the study recommends that the Directorate of Adult and Continuing Education should consider working with farmer groups in promoting functionality of literacy centres.
Analysis of the Usage of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) in Acce...AJSERJournal
Owing to the importance of information communication technologies on activities of rural households, this
study analyzed the usage of ICTs in dissemination of agricultural information to smallholder farmers in Kwara state,
Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 210 smallholder farmers which were selected
using both random and systematic sampling techniques. Descriptive statistics and chi square were used to analyze
data. The results reveal that the mean age of the farmers was 37.6 years, while 52.9% of the farmers were females. The
three most important ICT tools used by farmers were mobile phone, radio and television. There was relevance and
timeliness in the quality of information through radio and mobile phone, respectively based on farmers’ perception.
However, the major constraints identified by farmers were erratic power supply, high call rates and bad networks.
There was significant relationship between respondents’ age (χ2=17.333., p= 0.010), gender (χ2=32.267., p= 0.000),
education (χ2=122.000, p= 0.000), marital status (χ2=18.467, p= 0.048) and the type of ICTs used in agricultural
information dissemination. The study therefore concludes that ICTs is well used by the farmers. The study recommends
amongst others the need for relevant stakeholders to set up an enabling environment that will enhance economic
development.
The role of private extension agencies in agricultural development of kaduna ...Alexander Decker
This study examined the role of the Leventis Foundation Agricultural Training School (LFATS) in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study found that participants of LFATS were generally younger, more educated, and had less farming experience than non-participants. Participants reported receiving adequate training from LFATS in livestock production, crop production, and farm product processing. Statistical analysis revealed the crop yields of participants were significantly higher than those of non-participants, indicating the training from LFATS helped improve agricultural productivity. The study concluded LFATS plays an important role in agricultural advancement and youth empowerment in Kaduna State. It was recommended that other organizations collaborate with LFATS to improve access to agricultural inputs for participants.
Source, Availability and Use of Agricultural Informationby Extension Agents i...paperpublications3
Abstract: Assessment of the agricultural information systems and communication arrangement used by extension workers provided a framework to identify the strength and weaknesses of the current systems and led to recommendations to improve their performance. Structured interviews were used to collect data from a randomly selected twenty eight extension workers of the Sidama zone of SNNPRs. The data analysis was performed using SPSS. The responses indicated that Woreda agricultural office top rated (77.8%), followed by mass media (55.6%), news paper (51.9%) and mobile (37%) by delivering agricultural information regularly. The result of the study shows that all of the respondents (100%) have got agricultural information in the form of training and extension meeting. Similarly, 96.3% have got from local radio program and 88.9% from field visit, manual and national radio program. In addition to this, national television program, leaflets, and regional television program serves as source of agricultural information for 74.1, 74.1, and 70.4% of the respondents respectively whereas reports and websites provide agricultural information for 3.7 and7.4% respectively. Among the respondents, the majority (59.3%) have used notebook to file agricultural information obtained from different sources through different means. However, 3.7 and 29.6% of them have been used farmers training centers (FTC) and kept the original document to file the available agricultural information. Based on the result of the study most (74.04%) of the respondents were highly motivated on their work. However 22.2 and 3.7% of them were low and medium motivated on their work respectively. The study revealed that extension agents in the study area had adequate job autonomy. However the extension workers did not have an appropriate information management system. The finding of this research revealed that the governments need to frame sensitive policies to address the problem of the extension workers loyalty to their organization in order to increase their commitment in which they play vital roles in agricultural development.
Job Performance and Job Satisfaction of Agricultural Extension Agents Inriver...iosrjce
Employees who are satisfied tends to be more productive, creative and committed. The job
performance and job satisfaction of Extension Agents (EAs) in Rivers State Agricultural Development Projects
(ADP) were investigated. The population of study included all 216 male and female EAs in the study area.
Multistage sampling procedure was employed to selected 48EAs who comprised the sample for the study. Data
were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Relevant data were analyzed using descriptive statistics
such as mean, percentages, pooled mean and ranking. Among others, it was found that about 90% of the EAs
were male, more than 77% were aged 31-40 years, over 93% were married and about 91% were academically
qualified. Majority of the respondents were living outside their circles whole 72%-93% of all the EAs were only
able to achieved less than 34%of expected regular field visits, attendance to Block and Fortnightly Meetings,
establishment of On Farm Research (OFR) and the number of Small Plot Adoption Techniques (SPATs).
Although, majority of the respondents were satisfied with their job routines and relationships existing among
farmers and other staff of the extension service, they were not satisfied with remuneration and allowances,
opportunities for promotion and their general work environments. It was recommended that more EAs,
especially females be recruited systematically until a 1:1 male: female EA ratio is achieved. The government
should overhaul the current UAES which appears to have gone moribund. The need to review the salaries and
allowances of EAs upward while upgrading general facilities for a more effective extension service was also recommended
Do Investments in Agricultural Extension Deliver Positive Benefits to Health,...Premier Publishers
The study provides an overview of the state of Agricultural Extension with the major aim of identifying gaps and areas of advocacy in the laws and policies that govern extension service delivery in Uganda, document the linkages and analytical trends between agricultural extension and performance of Health, Trade and Industry and Water and Environment sectors, as well as establish the value of each shilling or dollar invested in agricultural extension. Using secondary sources of data and Statistical Based Costing methods, the results revealed that the state of agricultural extension services in Uganda is wanting. Adoption of improved technologies was very low and technology misuse was very rampant. In livestock, the quality of veterinary services and their use were particularly very low. Our results showed that the unit cost of providing agricultural extension services that result in increased productivity, better nutrition as well as higher incomes to farmers is UGX 66,290 per visit. The total cost of not providing agricultural extension is extremely high and the country stands to lose greatly due to the multiplier effect and spillover effect of agricultural extension in other productive sectors. There is certainly need to invest in agricultural extension both in crop and livestock sectors.
This document discusses options for institutional reforms to Ghana's agricultural and rural extension frameworks. It analyzes the country's current extension system, the National Agricultural Extension Project (NAEP), which uses a "Training and Visit" approach focused on technology transfer. However, the document argues this approach is insufficient and a shift is needed to focus on developing farmers' human and social capital. It summarizes perspectives that emphasize improving management skills, organizations, and post-harvest activities over simple technology transfer. The document advocates for a pluralistic extension system involving various public, private and civil society organizations to better address farmers' diverse needs and challenges facing Ghana's agricultural sector.
Climate resilience and job prospects for young people in agricultureIFPRI-PIM
Climate change matters for all people. Does it matter particularly for young people? If so, where and how?
PIM Webinar, February 7, 2019.
Presenters: Karen Brooks, Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University and Keith Wiebe, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI.
For more information, slides, and podcast visit http://bit.ly/CRJYwebr
This document reviews the information needs of rice farmers in Nigeria. It discusses the concept of information needs and assesses the specific information needs of rice farmers, including improved rice varieties, farming techniques, and marketing information. The document also covers rice farmers' access to information sources and constraints they face in obtaining relevant information. Recommendations include adult education programs for farmers and using information and communication technologies to better deliver agricultural information to rice farmers.
Performance Implication of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program...ijtsrd
In a bid to revitalize the ailing agricultural sector in Nigeria, several programmes have been introduced by the government, one of such programmes is Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 Atasp 1 . Hence, this study was necessitated to look at the performance implication of the programme on participant farmers in Southeast Nigeria. The study specifically determined the effect of ATASP 1 interventions on the farm income of participants and ascertained the effect of ATASP 1 intervention on the farm profit of participants. A survey research design was adopted for the study. A total of 8,585 Rice 3248 and Cassava 5337 farmers are participating in the programme from Anambra and Enugu constituted the population for the study. A multi stage sampling technique was employed by the researcher. Taro Yamane sample size determination formula was further used to derive the sample size 730 of the study. R. Kumaison formula was adopted to allocate sample stratum for the study. Primary and secondary data were collected and used in the study. A combination of descriptive, regression and inferential statistics were utilized in data analysis. Results revealed that Pseudo R2 was 0.435 which implies that 43.5 variation in farmer's income was explained by the joint action of the programme interventions and that the Pseudo R2 was 0.300 which implies that the programme interventions explained 30.0 variation in the profit of farmers. Hence, it was concluded that ATASP 1 is a signifant and right step in the right direction to regalvanize the agricultural sector and give it the pride of place it desearves. Among others, the study recommended that there is a need for the programme to increase its efforts on financial market development intervention and that the programme implementers and policymakers are encouraged to increase their intervention in rural areas. Johnpaul Chimnedum Onyekineso | Nwankwo Frank "Performance Implication of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 (Atasp-1): A Southeast Nigeria Experience" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-6 , October 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd46410.pdf Paper URL : https://www.ijtsrd.com/management/business-economics/46410/performance-implication-of-agricultural-transformation-agenda-support-program-phase-1-atasp1-a-southeast-nigeria-experience/johnpaul-chimnedum-onyekineso
Analysis of Factors Influencing Participation of Farm Households in Watermelo...AJSERJournal
The study analyzed the factors influencing participation of farm households’ in watermelon production in
the study areas. Three local government areas out of Sokoto state were purposively selected. Questionnaire was used
to collect data. Multistage of sampling techniques were used to arrive at the sample size of 181 farm households’ for
the study. Likert scale is used to analyse the level of participation of farm households’, frequency and inferential
statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that (55.8%) of the farm households are within the ages
of 25-30 years, majority (96.7%) are male It shows that majority (64.0%) of the farm households participated in
watermelon production as a result of higher income generated. Multiple regression analysis result revealed significant
relationships between farm households participation in watermelon production and their socio-economic
characteristics at P<0.05. The constraints faced by the farm households are storage technology and improved
agricultural inputs. Most (63.5%) of the farm households believed that provision of subsidized agricultural inputs and
market accessibility are forms of assistance that will encourages farm households to partake in watermelon production.
It is recommended that government and donor agencies should encourage farm households’ by providing them with
the modern agricultural inputs so as to influence them to participate fully into watermelon production irrespective of
their Socio-economic differences.
Effect of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 Atasp 1 ...ijtsrd
This study examined the effect of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase 1 ATASP 1 on Farmers Performance in Southeast, Nigeria. It used a well structured questionnaire to collect data from a cross section of randomly selected 730 respondents. A combination of analytical tools such as descriptive statistics, Tobit and multiple regression analysis and inferential statistics were used for analysis. The study found that 56.6 of the farmers are males with an average age of 44 years, who are 87.8 married and have 10 years of formal schooling. Apart from over 19 years farming experience, the average 6 people per household is large enough to supply cheap family labour to the farmers. The study found out that the programme interventions are classified into three important components, which are infrastructure, financial market and commodity value chain development. It was also revealed that farmers adopted the following agricultural technologies the use of improved seed varieties, the use of ICT extension facilities, and keeping a good farm processing record to track changes, among others. The study, therefore, recommended among others, that the programme implementers need to be transparent in their disbursement and implementation of the project mandates and that there is a need to improve the literacy level of the farmers, as this will go a long way to improve their possibilities of technology adoption. Johnpaul Chimnedum Onyekineso | Nwankwo Frank "Effect of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase 1 (Atasp-1) on Farmers' Performance in Southeast, Nigeria" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-6 , October 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd46407.pdf Paper URL : https://www.ijtsrd.com/management/business-economics/46407/effect-of-agricultural-transformation-agenda-support-program-phase-1-atasp1-on-farmers'-performance-in-southeast-nigeria/johnpaul-chimnedum-onyekineso
Accessibility and utilization of ICT facilities by extension agents and farme...Premier Publishers
This study principally assessed the availability, accessibility and utilization of ICT facilities by Extension Agents and Farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana. A sample size of 180 respondents consisting of ninety (90) Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) and ninety (90) farmers were interviewed and the results analyzed. Simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used in selecting respondents. The data were analyzed using appropriate descriptive statistics. The results of the study revealed that phone and radio were the most available, accessible and commonly used ICTs by AEAs and farmers for extension service delivery in the Northern Region of Ghana. The result of the study also indicated a direct relationship between the level of education of AEAs and the use of ICTs in providing extension service to farmers. This relationship calls for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to put into action its existing ICT policy which includes training of AEAs in the use of ICTs. The study recommended that AEAs should be given phone card units to ensure its effective utilization.
The document discusses Brazil's efforts to alleviate poverty and hunger through innovations in rural extension services and policies supporting family farms. It notes that Brazil has over 4.5 million family farms and outlines key events and policies from 2003 onward that aimed to promote social inclusion, sustainable development, and increased support for family farming through its PNATER extension program. Some of the main challenges discussed are adopting new concepts, institutionalizing PNATER, increasing coverage, improving quality, and measuring results.
EXTENSION POLICY: LESSONS FROM MEAS EXPERIENCEAFAAS
This document summarizes a presentation on lessons learned from recent extension policy experiences. It discusses the importance of defining extension policy, ensuring policy alignment between agricultural and extension policies, and engaging private stakeholders in the policy process. It also notes key questions around policy implementation, evaluation, and linking policy to improved extension effectiveness. The presentation aims to facilitate discussion on developing effective, sustainable extension policies that improve people's lives.
Professor Carlos Bacha presents new research looking at how Brazilian agricultural production has intensified and diversified since 1990. Read the full research at http://www.brazil4africa.org/publications
Experience of the Ghana Agricultural Information Network Systems (GAINS)iaaldafrika
PowerPoint presentation on GAINS activities presented at the IAALD Africa Chapter session at the Joint Conference of IAALD, AFITA and WCCA, 24 - 27 August 2008, Atsugi, Japan
Before the 1970s, Brazilian agriculture was characterized by low production and yields, rural poverty, and a lack of agricultural knowledge and support institutions. To address these issues, Brazil set the task of transforming its traditional agriculture into a more scientific and technological sector. This involved expanding production into new areas like the Cerrado, implementing supportive government policies, developing tropical agricultural technologies, and empowering small- and medium-sized farmers. As a result, by the 2000s Brazil had greatly increased its agricultural production and exports, becoming a global leader in key commodities like soybeans, sugar, beef, and poultry. Renewable energy from sugarcane also grew substantially.
50 years of measuring support to agriculture in CanadaLars Brink
Overview and interpretation of 50 years of measuring support to agriculture in Canada. One-off and sustained initiatives; expenditures and price gaps; domestic context and international context such as OECD, WTO and other; thoughts on future priorities for governments.
Agriculture in the us and canada powerpoint feb 2011jwrigh03
The physical features of the U.S. and Canada have significantly impacted agriculture in both countries. In the U.S., farming was a major occupation in the 18th century and the Homestead Act of 1862 granted settlers land to farm. Agriculture today is a major industry, exporting food. Canada's forests cover less than half the country while about a third of the U.S. is forested. Key crops and livestock vary by region, from cotton and tobacco in the South to wheat in the Great Plains. Natural resources like oil, coal, and minerals also drive important industries.
This document provides an overview and guide for the course AEM 301 "Introduction to Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology". The course is a one semester, two credit unit course for students of Agricultural Extension Management. It will cover 15 units across 3 modules. The course aims to stimulate interest in agricultural extension and rural sociology, outline their contributions to development, and recognize the importance of rural development. Upon completing the course, students will be able to define key concepts, discuss theories and strategies, and analyze institutions related to agricultural extension and rural sociology. Assessment will consist of tutor-marked assignments making up 30% of the grade and a final exam constituting the remaining 70%.
This document provides an overview of Mongolia including its flag, national emblem, geography, climate, natural resources, agriculture sector, livestock numbers, and the role of the National Agricultural Extension Center.
The National Agricultural Extension Center was established in 1996 to provide technical and business advice to agricultural producers. It conducts trainings, disseminates information, and acts as a liaison between researchers and producers to transfer new technologies. The Center aims to strengthen the agricultural extension network across Mongolia's 21 provinces and 166 districts.
Mongolia has a semi-arid continental climate with low precipitation. Its economy relies heavily on agriculture and livestock production, which employs around 40% of the workforce. Livestock numbers have increased in
**needs updates and improvement
this slides are made with excerpts from other sources like, books,publication, journals, magazines and on-line sources.No plagiarism intended.
intended for the review in the upcoming may 2015 agriculture major admission test of Cavite State University.
for inquiries email me at: darkspot0713@gmail.com
DETERMINANTS FOR RECORD KEEPING AMONG FARMERS IN TUBAH SUB DIVISION, NORTH WE...AJHSSR Journal
ABSTRACT :
Purpose: Record keeping is important as it enables farmers to document their farm operations. Apart from
providing some useful insights into the types of records kept, it facilitates understand the problems connected with
record keeping by farmers, and so enable us to suggest solutions that lead to effective record keeping. Information
obtained can further enhance agricultural development, for instance by facilitating farmers’ access to credits.
Methodology: Data was collected using the purposively sampling method (160 farmers) from the villages of
Bambili, Bambui, Kedjom-keku (Big Babanki) and Kedjom-ketingoh (Small Babanki) all in Tubah division in the
North West region of Cameroon, using a structured questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS
(Statistical Package for Social Science), version 20.0. Both descriptive statistics and regression analysis were
performed, adopting a 5% significance level.
Findings: All 160 respondents indicated that record keeping is very important, and 67.5% of them were found to
keep any kind of records. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify the factors that affect record keeping
decisions among farmers. Marital status, type of farming system practice, number of plots and formal training
showed positive contributions towards record keeping. However, only the marital status, farming practice, number
of plots and formal training (educational level) significantly influenced farmers’ decisions to keep records
(p=0.000).
Unique Contribution: Our contribution dwells on a relevant topic, namely record keeping, which is largely
neglected in the topic research, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The results allow us to recommended that famers
should endeavor to keep and constantly update records as records can attract benefits such as access to credit, and/or
grants acquired through project writing. Also, if production, input and sales records are prevalent, governments and
scholars can use them for statistical purposes, or as a catalyst to grant certification to famers who keep records
which would enhance traceability, market niche and fair trade..
KEYWORDS: Record Keeping, Determinants, Farmers, Binary Logistic Regression, Tubah-Sub Division
Information technology in agriculture of bangladesh and other developing coun...Chittagong university
This document discusses using information and communication technologies (ICTs) for agricultural extension in developing countries like Bangladesh. It first provides background on Bangladesh's agriculture sector, which relies heavily on rice production. Traditional agricultural extension programs that aim to increase technology adoption among small-scale farmers have had mixed results. The document then explores how ICTs could help overcome issues like lack of access to information that limit technology adoption. It reviews current ICT-based agricultural extension programs and their potential to improve farmers' knowledge, adoption of new technologies, and welfare. The document concludes by recommending further research on the impact of ICT-based extension in developing countries.
Mobile phone an instrument of disseminating requisite agricultural informat...eSAT Journals
Abstract Bangladesh is densely an over populated country where a large number of people (more than 60 percent) are still living their livelihood directly or indirectly through the agro based jobs. The environment is very much favorable for agriculture. The contribution of agricultural sector to GDP is 20.60% In this regard, if the initiatives are been taken to provide the right farmers with the right information by the right way at the right time within the least cost, the success will be definite. Decision making is a very crucial part in every activity to be performed in an excellent manner. Any system applied for getting information and knowledge for making decisions in any industry should deliver accurate, complete, concise information in time or on time. The information provided by the system must be in user-friendly form, easy to access, cost-effective and well protected from unauthorized accesses. And to ensure all these there is no alternative other than telecommunication and networking technologies. Different collaboration and communication tools are available to share information throughout the world to ensure improved decision making. And those tools are also playing an important role to disseminate agricultural information. Mobile phone is one of the most popular electronic media among the natives of this country for news and information. Mobile phones significantly reduce communication and information costs for the rural poor in developing countries. This not only provides new opportunities for rural farmers to obtain access to information on agricultural technologies, but also to use ICTs (Information and communication technologies) in agricultural extension systems. Since 2007, there has been a proliferation of mobile phone based applications and services in the agricultural sector, providing information on market prices, weather, transport and agricultural techniques via voice, short message service (SMS) and internet. Therefore, this paper attempts to analyze the contribution of mobile phones on the dissemination of agricultural information for the farmers for their agricultural enrichment with emphasis on analyzing quantitative data gathered in a survey using a structured questionnaire that was generated on the basis of my theoretical study. Findings indicate a positive curve towards the dependency on and contribution of mobile phones. Keywords: Agricultural Information, Mobile Phones in Bangladesh, Agricultural Information Service (AIS), Technology Adoption, E-agriculture.
Farmers’ Aspiration Indices and Possible Strategies to Improve Sweet Potato ...BRNSSPublicationHubI
This document summarizes a research article that investigated farmers' aspiration indices and strategies to improve sweet potato production in South East Nigeria. The study found that the majority of sweet potato farmers were female, married, and had 8 people in their household on average. It also found that farmers highly aspired to invest money in sweet potato farming for future income, increase farm size, increase marketing channels, and mechanize farms. The top strategies identified to improve production were decentralizing training on practices and providing rural infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water. The document recommends establishing information centers, a special funding trust for producing states, and guiding farmers' aspirations through extension services.
USE OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM BY FARMERS FOR IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY IN K...ijcseit
This paper shows the use of management information system by farmers for improve productivity in Kayah
state in Myanmar. The objective is to give first a brief overview why MIS is important in the farming sector.
Secondly the paper is aiming on the development of a FMIS that depicts all production processes and their
internal interconnections of a farm accurately. Thirdly this paper mentions what is agricultural
information management and why is it important? Furthermore, the MIS has to allow farmers to easily
access all information which are crucial for the farm’s profitability. Finally this paper aims on highlighting
effective issues of management information system and what farmers and researchers have to consider
during the implementation process.
This seminar presentation discusses the use of ICTs among extension workers and farmers in Nigeria and its relevance to sustainable agricultural development. It begins with introducing the background and challenges facing Nigerian smallholders, such as poverty, illiteracy, and lack of access to information. It then provides an overview of the traditional agricultural extension model and discusses how ICTs could complement extension efforts. The research aims to explore how ICTs, specifically mobile phones, could improve farmers' adoption of good agricultural practices and increase productivity. The study will be conducted in two communities, interviewing extension workers and surveying farmers on their information needs, ICT access, and farming practices. The findings could help establish information centers and contribute to knowledge on
Use of Management Information System by Farmers for Improve Productivity in K...ijcseit
This paper shows the use of management information system by farmers for improve productivity in Kayah state in Myanmar. The objective is to give first a brief overview why MIS is important in the farming sector. Secondly the paper is aiming on the development of a FMIS that depicts all production processes and their internal interconnections of a farm accurately. Thirdly this paper mentions what is agricultural information management and why is it important? Furthermore, the MIS has to allow farmers to easily access all information which are crucial for the farm’s profitability. Finally this paper aims on highlighting effective issues of management information system and what farmers and researchers have to consider during the implementation process.
USE OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM BY FARMERS FOR IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY IN K...ijcseit
This paper shows the use of management information system by farmers for improve productivity in Kayah
state in Myanmar. The objective is to give first a brief overview why MIS is important in the farming sector.
Secondly the paper is aiming on the development of a FMIS that depicts all production processes and their
internal interconnections of a farm accurately. Thirdly this paper mentions what is agricultural
information management and why is it important? Furthermore, the MIS has to allow farmers to easily access all information which are crucial for the farm’s profitability. Finally this paper aims on highlighting
effective issues of management information system and what farmers and researchers have to consider during the implementation process.
Catherine ragasa reaching women farmers with technology final july 14 2010IFPRI Gender
Women play a major role in agriculture in Africa, contributing 60-80% of food production, yet they face significant constraints in accessing resources like agricultural extension services, fertilizer, and credit. Targeting support to women farmers through approaches like increasing access to extension, improving fertilizer distribution methods, and strengthening land rights could increase agricultural productivity by 10-20% and have broader development benefits. For agricultural interventions to be effective for women, they need a holistic approach that is adapted to local gender roles and ensures women's meaningful participation and impact on incomes.
Analysis of Households income Generation in Fadama IIIBeneficiary Communities...iosrjce
IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal edited by the International Organization of Scientific Research (IOSR). The journal provides a common forum where all aspects of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences are presented. The journal invites original papers, review articles, technical reports and short communications containing new insight into any aspect Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences that are not published or not being considered for publication elsewhere.
The document discusses the importance of gender equity in agricultural research and development. It makes four key points:
1) Women play a vital role in agriculture but lack equal access to resources like land, education, inputs and technology, limiting productivity. Reducing gender inequality could increase yields by 20%.
2) Involving women is important for sustainability as they maintain biodiversity and climate change strategies.
3) It improves food security and nutrition as women control food distribution and child nutrition.
4) Empowering women through equitable interventions can significantly boost incomes and reduce poverty.
The document advocates for mainstreaming gender considerations in agricultural R&D through representation of women researchers and relevance to women farmers.
Source, Availability and Use of Agricultural Information by Extension Agents ...paperpublications3
Abstract: Assessment of the agricultural information systems and communication arrangement used by extension workers provided a framework to identify the strength and weaknesses of the current systems and led to recommendations to improve their performance. Structured interviews were used to collect data from a randomly selected twenty eight extension workers of the Sidama zone of SNNPRs. The data analysis was performed using SPSS. The responses indicated that Woreda agricultural office top rated (77.8%), followed by mass media (55.6%), news paper (51.9%) and mobile (37%) by delivering agricultural information regularly. The result of the study shows that all of the respondents (100%) have got agricultural information in the form of training and extension meeting. Similarly, 96.3% have got from local radio program and 88.9% from field visit, manual and national radio program. In addition to this, national television program, leaflets, and regional television program serves as source of agricultural information for 74.1, 74.1, and 70.4% of the respondents respectively whereas reports and websites provide agricultural information for 3.7 and7.4% respectively. Among the respondents, the majority (59.3%) have used notebook to file agricultural information obtained from different sources through different means. However, 3.7 and 29.6% of them have been used farmers training centers (FTC) and kept the original document to file the available agricultural information. Based on the result of the study most (74.04%) of the respondents were highly motivated on their work. However 22.2 and 3.7% of them were low and medium motivated on their work respectively. The study revealed that extension agents in the study area had adequate job autonomy. However the extension workers did not have an appropriate information management system. The finding of this research revealed that the governments need to frame sensitive policies to address the problem of the extension workers loyalty to their organization in order to increase their commitment in which they play vital roles in agricultural development.
This document reviews the information needs of rice farmers in Nigeria. It discusses the concept of information needs and assesses the specific information needs of rice farmers, including improved rice varieties, farming techniques, and marketing information. The document also covers rice farmers' access to information sources and constraints they face in obtaining relevant information. Recommendations include adult education programs for farmers and using information and communication technologies to better deliver agricultural information to rice farmers.
The document discusses the importance of integrating gender considerations into agricultural research and development. It argues that addressing gender issues is necessary to improve agricultural productivity and food security, increase sustainability, reduce poverty, and achieve other development goals. It outlines how agricultural R&D could be made more gender-equitable by involving women in priority setting, research, extension and evaluation. It also suggests moving beyond a focus only on production technologies to consider women's roles and needs across the entire food system. Finally, it proposes establishing a platform to support strategic gender research, capacity building, and institutional strengthening to help achieve this vision.
Kisan Mobile Advisory Service- An Effective ICT Tool for Technology Dissemina...inventionjournals
The shifting emphasis of Indian agriculture towards diversification, commercialization, sustainability and efficacy has made it necessary for the state extension organizations to critically examine their extension approaches in relation to livelihood of rural masses. It was observed that our population is growing; per capita availability of arable land and irrigation water is shrinking. The frequent suggestion for food import ignores the fact that agriculture is not food producing machine, but is the backbone of the livelihood security system for over 60 per cent population. Development in science and technology in general as well as information and communication technology in particular endorses with ways of facilitating a wide range of communication, information and advisory services in process of technology transformation. Actually extension official are grappling with the question of how best to harness information and communication technology to improve rural livelihood wit sustainability. Sustainability emerges out of shared human resources objectives, knowledge, decision, technology and organization. Kisan Mobile Advisory Services (KMAS), which is a part of the ICT tools is employed by the most of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras in Orissa. In the programme the mobile numbers of progressive farmers, Krishak Sathis (Farmers’ friend), extension officials, and input dealers were registered and grouping is done as per the enterprise/activity basis for facility of filtering purpose. Till April, 2014 about 15000 numbers were registered. The usual messages are being serving twice a week and timely information/advices are communicating as per the need of the situation. From the list of progressive farmers, seventy five farmers were selected for the study with the objective to know their preferences and utility in their field situation. Majority of the farmers opined that time specific advisories are most important followed by weather forecasting and marketing information. The messages on agronomic practices are most suitable followed by management of disease & pests are found to be most suited as per the result. They suggested to serve the message on local language.
Factors influencing the intensity of market participation among smallholder w...AI Publications
Participation in commercial agriculture holds considerable potential for unlocking suitable opportunity sets necessary for providing better incomes and sustainable livelihoods for small scalefarmers. In developing countries like Ethiopia, most smallholder farmers are characterized by poor market participation because they lack market information on marketing of agricultural products. This study examined factors that influence the intensity of market participation among smallholder farmers in JabiTehnan districtusing survey data collected from randomly selected 120 farmers. The aim of this study was to analyze market participation of smallholder wheat farmers in JabiTehnan district. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary data sources using cross sectional data.Probit model regression result showed that, perception of wheat market price, quantity of wheat produced, size of land allocated for wheat and frequency of extension contact had significant and positively effect on market participation decision, while distance to nearest market, family size had significant negative effect. Based on the study policy interventions like family planning, awareness to farmers to supply wheat to the market when price is fair for them, strength extension service and infrastructure like market access, improve land management practice by use of a right input at a right timeas a means to enhance wheat market participation.
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The study was carried out to investigate the perception of cattle herdsmen on the use of information and communication technology in management practice in Akinyele local government of Oyo state. Multistage sampling procedure was used for the study. A total of 164 questionnaire were administered and 135questionnaires were retrieved. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using the frequency table, simple percentage, chi square and PPMC (Pearson product moment of correlation).97.8% and 2.2% respectively represent the percentage of male and female respondent. The ages of the respondents were 56years and above (3.7%), 46-55years (5.2%), 36-45years (43.7%), 26-35years (32.6%), 15-25years (14.8%). Majority of the respondents (45.2%) and (72.6%) get information from television and radio set respectively. The result obtained showed that majority of the respondents (63.0%) strongly agreed that the use of ICT promotes productivity while 33.3% of the respondent agreed. Also, 47.4% of the respondent agreed that perception of cattle rearing to the use of ICT for management practices promote farming, 40.7% of the respondent strongly agreed.From the research, respondents see poor power supply, economic barrier, level of education as major constraint.PPMC shows that there was significant relationship between constraints to the use of various ICT tools and perception of the herdsmen (r= 0.944, p=0.000), the level of perception of the herdsmen and the entire hypothesis tested were all significant. Effort should be made by government to improve ways by which the recommended ICT tools can get to the herdsmen so as to enhance their production.
This study analyzed gender differences in technical efficiency among hungry rice (Acha) farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria. A survey was conducted with 160 farmers, 80 male and 80 female. Results showed males had higher mean technical efficiency (0.77) than females (0.61). Production function models found farm size, inputs, and hired labor significantly influenced male output, while family labor, farm size, inputs influenced female output. Determinants of inefficiency for both included age, education, experience, and credit access, while extension contact also impacted male farmers. The study concluded gender disparities in technical efficiencies exist, and recommendations included improving input access, enhancing women's access to resources, and gender-sensitive agricultural policies.
Barriers to Effective Extension Agents and Smallholder Farmer Communication i...BRNSSPublicationHubI
This document summarizes a research article that examines barriers to effective communication between extension agents and smallholder farmers in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria. The study found that many farmers have low levels of education and speak primarily Hausa, while most extension agents have inadequate training and low English language proficiency. As a result, extension agents struggle to effectively communicate new farming techniques and practices to farmers. The study recommends employing internet and digital technologies to improve communication, as most farmers currently lack access to these resources and skills. Overall, the research aims to identify constraints on communication between extension agents and farmers in order to enhance information sharing and increase agricultural output.
Factors Influencing Adoption of Improved Agricultural Technologies (IATs) amo...Premier Publishers
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Analysis of extension agents in ghana
1. Analysis of Information Needs of Agricultural Extension Agents in
Rural Ghana
Paper Submitted to the GIMPA Journal of Leadership, Management,
and Administration
By
Abdul-Nasser Salifu
(Lecturer, GIMPA Business School)
March, 2012
1
2. Abstract
There has been a persistent problem of meeting the local information needs of farmers in
Northern Ghana. Farmers require crucial information on time to increase agricultural
production and help reduce endemic poverty in rural Ghana. Agricultural extension is at the
heart of the realization of these objectives. Agricultural extension agents are charged with the
responsibility of helping farmers increase food production through the disemmination of proven
agricultural information to small scale farmers. Their role becomes even more crucial in the
sense that farmers in Ghana are largely illiterate who cannot use the print word as a vehicle for
disseminating information rather information dissemination is mainly by personal contact of the
extension agent.They can not be said to be effective in their work if they are found to be deficient
in information dissemination resulting mainly from their inability to distil relevant information
onto farmers or not being adequately informed on the subject matter relevant to the farmer.The
flow of information in an extension organisation is more important than in other organisations
that are not responsible for providing clients with relevant information for production. It was on
the basis of this assumption that the study was conducted. The study was carried out in eight
selected dictricts of Northern Ghana. Over a period of 10 months, two hundred and forty (240)
household heads with over 30 years of farming experience in maize and rice production were
purposively sampled to ascertain the main problems limiting the attainment of National food
production targets. Based on their responses one hundred and thirty extension agents (130) were
assessed on these needs. Data was collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The
information needs of the Extension Agents were classified into technical, commercial, social,
legal, and general information. It was found that major gaps which existed in disseminating
proven technical and legal information for quantum leap in production are at the roots of low
productivity in this region. Empirical evidence of this study showed that though local
information needs of farmers have changed towards the technical and legal information,
extension agents’ knowledge in these areas have remained scant hence failing to meet the
expressed inforamation needs of small scale farmers. Further findings also indicated that
Extension agents’ perceived some information sources namely, supervisor, training, research
institutions, to be very effective, whiles others namely, print and electronic media (TV and radio)
and colleagues were perceived not to be effective in extension service delivery in Ghana. The
study therefore recommends that in-service training of extension agents should include computer
literacy to enable then have access to internet and other information resources.
2
3. 1.0 Introduction
Agriculture is vital to the overall economic growth and development of Ghana. The agricultural
sector has always been the main driver of growth of the Ghanaian economy (ISSER, 2004). Khor
(2006) reports that about; 40% of the GDP is accounted for by agriculture and livestock, forestry,
and fishing; 70% of the employment is dependent on agriculture; the majority of the people
engaged in agricultural production are small-scale farmers involved in subsistence agriculture.
However, yields and agricultural growth and productivity have remained low and poor thus
adversely limiting the population’s potential income and food security needs (Osei et al., 2007).
The need for rapid improvement in the strategies for food production in Northern Ghana to
systematically address food insecurity is urgent. Rural development statistics show that more
than 800 million households in developing countries were said to be food insecure at the
beginning of the 1990s, while food supply in Africa was 2300 calories as against 3500 in
Western Europe and America (FAO, 2011). Food security index in the developing world, shows
that population growth does not match food production. Since 1980, the population of African
countries has risen by 53 percent but food production has only risen by 45 percent (Alfred and
Odefadehan, 2007).
In Ghana, while population rises annually by 2.2 percent, food production has decreased by 1.4
percent since 1992 (FAO, 2006). It is feared that if this trend continues for a long time majority
of the population will increasingly remain impoverished in the coming decades. This situation,
Aina (2006) decries, is due to inadequate supply of information to farmers. Other factors which
have been stated by Benin et al (2008) include limited public spending on agricultural research,
agricultural extension and training, poor marketing of agricultural produce, lack of subsidies on
agricultural inputs (e.g. seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, etc.), poor irrigation, poor rural agricultural
infrastructure (feeder roads, marketing information system, post-harvest handling, etc.), low food
security index, large quantity of food imports, as well as inadequate expenditures in various other
sectors (e.g. spending on transport, power, education, and health).
According to Kwarteng et al (2002), achieving food security for all in Ghana, means agricultural
information must be made available to rural farmers. With limited access to relevant agricultural
information, farmers are unable to improve their work, increase their incomes and enhance their
living standards. In view of these poor living standards, various efforts have been articulated by
government to raise agriculture from the subsistence level to an improved sustainable level in the
near future. As a Medium Term Agricultural Development Plan (MTADP) which guided
agricultural sector’s development from 1991 to 1995, government had established the National
Agricultural Research Project (NARP) and National Agricultural Extension Project (NAEP) to
generate and transfer appropriate technology to farmers in order to increase food production
(Hanson, 1996, MOFA, November, 2005).
It is expected that technology generated from research through extension will increase crop
yields; accrue more income to farmers and increase tax revenue for the government, through
exchange of scientific information between small-holder farmers. As Buford (1990) noted,
3
4. agricultural extension depends to a large extent on information exchange between and among
farmers on the one hand, and a broad range of other actors on the other hand. Agricultural
Extension Organisations such as Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) working through
Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAS) and other stakeholders must therefore ensure that
information reaches farmers to meet their changing needs.
Annor-Frempong et al. (2006) have demonstrated that communication in agricultural and rural
development thrives on access and flow of information among Extension Agents and the society
at large in Ghana. Their finding supports the view of Bedi (1999) who earlier indicated that the
main constraint to agricultural and rural development today are gaps in access to information by
Extension Agents and farmers. If small-scale farmers in Ghana for example, have access to
relevant and timely agricultural information, within the appropriate policy framework and
infrastructure, food shortages can be eradicated, and the incidence food insecurity drastically
reduced to the barest minimum.
Adhikarya (1989) earlier reported that almost 40% of extension personnel worldwide have
secondary level educational qualifications, with another 33% at the intermediate level. This is in
sharp contrast to the situasion in Ghana where majority of extension personnel have basic level
educational qualifications. Chizari et al, (1998) observed that given this low educational
qualifications of AEAs in relation to the assignments and responsibilities they are expected to
accomplish, informing them becomes very crucial since focusing more attention on their
information needs is as important as obstacles hampering their educational related duties such as
teaching and advisory work. In that wise, an AEA wishing to give sound advice to farmers must
understand not only the extension process but also must be adequately informed on the technical
aspects of the subject matter in which he gives advice (Van den Ban and Hawkins ,1988).
Considering this situasion, extension agents in Ghana have no choice but to become information
oriented.
Theorectical Framework
Rethinking the information needs of Agricultural extension agents in a rapidly changing
information landscape is crucial to the achievement of key agricultural and rural development
goals such as ensuring high food security and improved access to social infrastructure.
Enumerating the influence of information on the morale and effectiveness of AEAs as key
implementors of agricultural development initiatives, Munya et al (2002) reported that constant
access to current agricultural knowledge and information is a motivating factor towards
professionalism among AEAs when dealing with agricultural production issues encountered by
small scale farmers and rural households.
In a rapidly changing global world where information has become a factor for agricultural
production, Mudukuti and Miller (2002), declared that information application in the process of
agricultural production, will play a significant role in developing farm families. Expressing a
similar opinion earlier, Alemna (1995) indicated that agricultural development, like every other
development activity is hinged on information. He concluded that, information is one of the most
appropriate tools, which can be relied upon as a resource to increase food production. In fact,
meeting the information needs of farmers and AEAs, holds the key to a quantum leap in the
agricultural production process and extension delivery in Ghana. However, information in itself
is not a resource. Its resourcefulness lies in its application to increase food production, improve
4
5. processing and marketing of agricultural produce. Before this can happen, three conditions are
necessary. The information must first exist in a suitable form, AEAs and farmers must know
about the existence of that information and where to find it (Hanson, 1996).
Aside of these conditions, there are other factors which tend to constrain the acquisition and
access to timely information for increased food production. Osei and Clement (2006)
underscored the weak linkage existing between the information generators (Researchers) on one
hand and information disseminators (AEAs) and information users (Farmers) on the other hand
as a fundamental problem hindering rapid exchange and flow of relevant information to farmers.
Furthermore, because communicating information and knowledge from information generators
to farmers is an integral part of the extension process (Blackburn & Flaherty 1994), the flow of
information in extension organizations is of more importance than in organizations that are not
responsible for providing their clients with relevant information for production (Pezeshki-Rad &
Zamani, 2005),. Considering this situation, the AEA has but little choice than to become
information-oriented.
AEAs and farmers are regarded as the weakest link in the agricultural production chain even
though they should be the pivotal point to the success of any agricultural programme. Apart from
the low extension to farmer ratio, Yakubu (1990) observed that AEAs lack the requisite knowhow to make any meaningful impact, noting that in areas where technical skills are necessary;
their duty becomes even more challenging.
Even though development communication scholars have blamed the old-paradigm of vertical
top-down communication for this situation, it is still important to note that improving the
linkages and supplying the relevant information will not necessarily lead to increased production
unless an effective communication system such as participatory approaches are put in place to
address the felt needs of extension agents as facilitators of social change (Hagmann, et. al, 2000;
Hanson, 1996). One key component of fulfilling this social change is to ensure uninterrupted
supply of relevant information to AEAs (Bruening et. al, 2002).
Leeuwis (2004) notes that in rare cases where there is timely flow of information into the
extension organization, such information cannot be accessed because it is usually not well
ordered and grouped together in a way that AEAs can easily locate. He argues that the
information usually reflects the logic of the researcher rather than the AEA and farmer. What is
more, information provided in the form of books, technical bulletins or research reports on
agriculture are not presented or packaged in the form that AEAs can comprehend. Leeuwis
(2004) concludes that the printed media are structured along the lines of specialized academic
disciplines and not according to the problems AEAs experience on the field.
Although, AEAs and farmers could obtain information from alternative sources such as trainings,
workshops, and electronic media, Alfred and Odefadehan (2007) stress that AEAs and farmers
may not be able to say specifically what information they need. In their view, information need
involves a cognitive process, which may operate on different levels of consciousness and hence
may not be clear even to the inquirer himself. Expressing a similar opinion earlier, Cooper
(1996), found that information need is a psychological state and not a visible object or complex
of symbols. This means that information need is something not directly observable but has a
definite existence in the mind of the AEA and farmer.
5
6. Other challenging influences on managing information for extension services and production,
according to Trevor Bently as cited in Fawcett (1999) are the laws governing information use
and its application. These are the law of praxis, law of escalating demand, and the law of
necessity. On the law of praxis, there are two noticeable effects. Firstly, we specify our
information needs in terms of the way we do things and not what is needed to solve problems.
Secondly once information has been requested it continuous to be produced even if praxis has
changed and it is no longer needed. This causes information overload and engenders a state of
paralysis and distress for AEA s as they constantly get the feeling of ‘Where do I start from’ in
their day to day bid to operationalise the objectives of their organisations. Roland and Bee (1993)
agree with the relevance of the view even today where extension organizations are becoming
increasingly more varied in their activities in response to new demands of a rapidly changing
environment. In the view of Roland and Bee (1993), AEAs are more likely to suffer from too
much irrelevant information rather than from too little relevant information.
On the law of escalating demand and how it influences the farmers’ effective utilization of the
information for increased production, Fawcett (1999) stated that as information users obtain
more information they require more information. This means that information will always be
requested as long as the information provided is a better basis for decisions on good farm
management practices with warnings on for example preventive measures for control and spread
of pests and diseases. As for the law of necessity which we experience in our everyday life, it
affirms that once farmers hear about a new technological innovation they expect information on
its use and applicability to be made available to them by AEAs.
Another vital attribute about information use in agriculture which Leeuwis (2004) laments is that
information is constantly ‘moving target’ in extension work which is difficult and complex
relation to cater to. This is because as AEAs continuously learn, and solve problems, new ones
are identified in an ever changing environment. It is under these circumstances that AEAs
perform their functions in the agricultural production chain. Describing the functions of AEAs,
Aina (2006) stated that their major function is to disseminate appropriate information to farmers.
According to him, their role becomes even more crucial in the sense that farmers in Africa (and
for that matter Ghana) are largely illiterate who cannot use the print word as a vehicle for
disseminating information; rather, information dissemination is mainly by personal contact. It is
this necessity for personal contact that makes the AEA an invaluable asset to the extension work
in Ghana. For the AEAs to be effective in the art of disseminating information technologies to
farmers, however, their information needs must be adequately met (Alfred & Odefadehan, 2007).
From the foregoing discussions, a new definition that emerges for information is that , it is a
combination of all knowledge, attitude and skills with the praxis for increased food production,
higher incomes for agricultural enterprises at any particular given time or area. As for
information need of an agriculturalist it is a product of the extent of availability of Knowledge
and Skills that the information user can draw on in reducing his uncertainty on any need related
to agriculture.
There are several classifications of information needs in Agriculture. But, for the purpose of this
study, the classification by Aina (1990) is adopted in this instance. According to Aina (1990),
information required for agricultural development is classified as technical or scientific
information, social information, commercial information and legal information.
6
7. In Ghana, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has a retinue of AEAs who need a lot
of information required mainly for gaining background information for agricultural enterprises.
They also need the information to assist them in teaching, training and visits. Information is also
needed in communicating research findings to the small-scale farmer who needs information to
intensify their cultivation as land size diminishes.Keeping all this in mind, there is a need for
educating and training AEAs regarding necessary technologies, so that they can deliver
extension services in a more competent manner. Meanwhile, a pre-requisite for reaching this, is
to review their information needs.
2.6 Status of Agricultural Extension Delivery in Ghana
Agricultural Extension services involve several different activities such as problem
identification, information provision, field demonstration, teaching of skills and advice giving
(Ackah-Nyamike, 2003).Agricultural Extension services in Ghana are carried out by the MOFA.
Agricultural extension activities were initiated in Ghana in the nineteenth century and have
evolved through various stages in the art of extension delivery. In 1997, MOFA decentralized its
activities resulting in structural changes in the management of agricultural extension delivery
service in Ghana.
Today, under the current Food and Agricultural Sector Development Policy (FASDEP) limited
access to technology appropriate to all levels of agricultural production has been recognized as
one major obstacle to agricultural development (MOFA, November, 2005).The policy also
recognizes a need to respond with the speed of light to challenges faced by farmers by providing
uniform services as well as facilitating the effectiveness of the extension delivery mechanism
throughout the country.
The services of agricultural extension play a significant role in disseminating information, as
they bridge the gap between available agricultural technology and local farmers’ practices. For
agricultural development, farmers should receive these services in order to adopt new
technologies and plant varieties to improve their production and also benefit economically.
2.7 Task / Role of Extension Agents.
There are several tasks performed by Extension Agents in extension service delivery. These
comprise teaching of skills, disseminating proven agricultural information, negotiating in conflict
situations between farmers, and giving advice to farmers on all aspects of agricultural
production, processing and marketing. According to Ackah-Nyamike Jnr (2007) Extension
Agents in performing their tasks, play various roles such as teacher, organiser, friend, planner,
administrator, motivator, and intermediary.
Having identified the tasks, it is significant to ascertain what type of information is required in
order to execute the above-mentioned tasks.According to Kargbo (1997) there are two types of
information needed in extension delivery; namely, current awareness on the technical aspects
extension work and everyday information. Operational tasks are performed by virtually all
Extension Agents at all levels of the agricultural extension work. The nature of the operational
tasks depends on a number of factors including seniority and the sector of the extension practice.
Be it livestock extension, agro forestry extension or fisheries extension operational tasks are
performed in one way or another.
7
8. 2.8 Agricultural Information Dissemination by Extension Agents in Northern Ghana.
The Ghana government has instituted a variety of services to facilitate agricultural information
dissemination to farmers. In 1991, the Research Extension Linkage Committees (RELCS) were
formed in five ecological zones of Ghana to forge a close working relationship between research,
extension and farmers (MOFA, November 2005).Today one of the cardinal responsibilities of
agricultural extension is the dissemination of timely agricultural information on technological
innovations suited to the local farmers needs.
According to Ozowa (1995), research has established that agricultural innovations are capable of
changing agricultural production and building economies of many developing countries and this
could be possible if the innovations reach the farmers. Unfortunately, information dissemination
and technology diffusion have not been very successful in most African countries. In Ghana,
Extension Agents are employed to disseminate agricultural information and innovations. This
they undertake by means of channels such as print & electronic media, extension services
demonstrations and educational tours among others. These channels have their strengths, but are
not without weaknesses and these are discussed below.
2.9 Extension Agents’ Guides to Technical /Scientific information in Northern Ghana
The agricultural research conducted in Ghana is carried out under the supervision of Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which is under the Ministry of Environment, Science
and Technology (MEST). Research in agriculture is an ongoing exercise as it requires periodic
updates as a means of making agriculture as productive as possible. The need for continuing
research is brought about by the changing climatic conditions, new technology, new innovations
in improved seeds, new methods of combating pests and diseases, and the management and
marketing strategies used in agriculture. Researchers are usually interested in investigating new
trends and building on existing ones, which means that repetitions and duplication are not
desirable.
Therefore, guides to sources of scientific information are useful in allowing Extension Agents to
know what is already available, and what additions or improvements are required. However,
information on local needs of farmers in the form of published directories are usually not
available to the Extension agents. In Ghana, several directories and guides exist to provide up-todate information on business and other sectors of the economy.
There are virtually no such directories and guides for Extension Agents even though agriculture
continues to be the king pin of the Ghanaian economy. Some directories available in Ghana only
list agricultural organizations and lack appropriate agricultural information that Extension
Agents can use (Codlin, 1997 and Craig, 1979) laments that out of the 110 directories covering
all subject areas in the United Kingdom, only three directories include selected sources of
scientific agricultural information .This shows just how little agriculture is regarded. The
following represents sources of information at the disposal of Extension Agents in Ghana.
8
9. 2.91 Agricultural Information Research in Northern Ghana
In Ghana, Agricultural information is distinguished from information for Agriculture by research
relevant to the socio-eceonomic development of the country. According to Philip et al (1989),
the developed countries have recognized the contribution of agriculture to their countries’
economy. In other words, agricultural research projects which can examine the provision of
agricultural information for Extension Agents and farmers and how they use it have been
adequately funded. Agricultural research is important because it outlines what is taking place
presently in Agriculture, so that Extension Agents can be informed of the new developments in
agricultural production and processing techniques. However, not every agricultural research is
important to all farmers; it is only those which address the farmers’ needs that are considered.
Agricultural research interests in Ghana show that researchers are out of touch with farmers’
problems.
It is useful to remember that, the point of research is to solve these problems, improve and/or
examine new ways of doing things, which is why it is important for Extension Agents and
farmers to access it. Therefore, it is necessary that ongoing or completed research should reach
farmers it is intended for. In Ghana, there is a problem of many research findings ending up on
the shelves and not disseminated to farmers. If the results are not disseminated to farmers, then
the whole exercise becomes futile. Many studies have indicated that the source of idea for
agricultural research is neither the Extension Agent nor the farmer. Sabarathnam (1987) reported
that majority of researchers’ ideas for agricultural researchare not informed by the local needs of
farmers.
9
10. 4.0 Research Methodology
The methodology adopted for this study utilized the intergrated approach to analysis of
information. PRA (Participatory Rural Appraisal) tools in sampling techiques of quantitative and
qualitative methodology was employed for this survey. The sampling techniques in extension
work may be categorised into two major types; the probability sampling technique and the nonprobability sampling technique (Ngorwu, 1991). Based on the objectives of the study, purposive
sampling was used to collect primary data on respondents. A multiple-stage procedure for
assessing the information needs of farmers and Extension agents in Northern Ghana was main
survey method used:
Stage one; A situational analysis was carried out in the study area to establish at first
hand the nature of the problems that farmers faced and therefore needed immediate
attention. Through this baseline survey, it became abundantly clear that farmers needed
information on modern production and processing techniques for increased yields in the
cultivation of maize, rice, and mango in Northern Ghana.
Stage two: To ensure maximum accuracy, three standard questionnaires each on the
production and processing techniques of the three main crops, Maize, Rice and Mango
were developed to determine specific aspects of the cultivation process that farmers,
encountered technical challenges and as such needed information from Extension Agents
to address. A total of two hundred and forty (240) household heads in eight selected
farming communities in Northern Ghana were drawn for this study. It targeted for data
collection, household heads having a minimum number of five farmers under their
training and with over thirty years of farming experience in the cultivation of the above
mentioned crops.
Stage three; Based on the analysed results of the preceding stage, another standard
questionnaire was developed, this time for the Extension agents themselves who serve as
farmers’ main contact to dependable technical information. This sought to examine
Extension agents’ extent of knowledge on those aspects of the production process that,
the farmers themselves, clearly indicated were their major technical challenges in
farming. In addition, aspects pertaining to quality extension delivery were also assessed
to identify the areas where Extension agents lacked competencies and may have informed
and contributed to the nature of technical problems and challenges the farmers faced.
4.1 Measurement of Variables
4.1.1 Dependent Variable
The dependent variable is defined by Sarantakos (1993) as the variable that is explained or
affected by another variable, called the independent variable. The dependent variable for this
study was information. This was operationalized as need for information as realized by
Extension agents in delivering quality extension services to farmers. The degree of respondents‘
information need was measured with the help of information need index developed by Borich
(1980). For the Extension Agents, questions were asked on the following aspects
Technical information needs
Commercial information needs
10
11. Social information needs
Legal information needs
General information needs
As for the farmers, questions related to only their technical information needs were solicited.
This was because commercial, social, legal and general information needs, within the limits of
this study, were more related to extension work than crop production and processing.
Respondents indicated their responses on a five-point continuum like Very high, High,
Moderate, Little and Very little and with assigned scores of 5,4,3,2 and 1, respectively. The
following formula was used to calculate the score of information need in each item obtained by
each respondent. According to Borich (1980), information needs assessment Extension Agents
can be analysed using the model given below:
IN= (EN – EK) × MN
Where:
IN = Information need in each item obtained by each respondent
EN= Extent of Need in each item
EK= Extent of Knowledge in each item
MN=Mean Score of need of all respondents in each item.
4.1.2 The Independent Variables
The independent variable is defined by Sarantakos (1993) as the variable that does not need to be
explained or affected by another variable. The independent variables for this study is the
Extension Agent who has socio-economic characteristics including the gender, age, marital
status, household size, working experience and educational status.
5. 0 Results and Discussion of Major Findings
The identified information needs of household heads for which A.EAS in Northern Ghana were
sampled for study is presented below;
11
12. Table 5. Information Needs of Household Heads in Northern Ghana (N=240)
Kind of Information
Information Need Score
Climate variability
4.9
New Mango variety propagation
4.5
Pest and Disease control of maize, rice
and mango
4.7
Pruning and Training of mango trees
3.5
Mango harvesting
2.8
Irrigation techniques
3.9
Soil fertility conservation
3.6
Mechanised Farming
3.6
Maintenance of mango nurseries
3.8
Post-harvest handling and packaging of
maize, rice and mango for agro markets
4.8
Wetland Farming of maize, rice and
mango
3.7
Export specifications for mango and
marketing of maize and rice produce
3.9
Source; (Field Survey, 2011)
As shown in Table 5.1 farmers wanted to know more about climatic variability (4.9), postharvest handling of staple crops (4.8) and pest and disease control (4.7). This was followed by
need for information on mango propagation, irrigation techniques and maintenance of mango
seedlings. Farmers comparatively expressed less interest in information on pruning and training
of mango trees and harvesting. The highly expressed need for information on climatic variability
may be due to the frequent and cumulative effect of devastations of farmlands by floods in
Northern Ghana. This finding support the introduction of climate smart agricultural production
techniques in Ghana. It was also found that the problem with pest and disease control had to do
with several factors including the proliferation of inferior chemical brands on the agromarkets.These products tend to discourage farmers from buying agro-products for spraying
mango plantations. This has gone on for sometime now in Northern Ghana and though farmers
are losing direct yields to pests and diseases this anomaly has not yet been explicitly addressed
by government implementing agencies due to lack of applicable scientific information.
12
13. 5.2 Information Needs of Agricultural extension Agents in Northern Ghana.
The study found that the Extension agents in Northern Ghana require relevant technical,
commercial, social, legal, and general information to make farming a very provifable venture for
rural poor. The tables below provide a basic description of the specific kinds of information
required by extension agents for maximum professional output.
5.2.1 Technical Information Needs
Table 5.2.1: Technical Information Needs of Extension Agents in Northern Ghana (N=130)
Kind of Technical Information
Score
Pest and Disease control of maize, mango and cocoyam plants
3.50
Post-harvest handling and packaging of maize, rice and mango
3.30
Wetland farming of maize, rice and mango
3.20
Climatic variability
3.17
Soil fertility conservation
3.10
Mechanized Farming
3.07
Pruning and Training of mango trees
3.05
Maintenance of mango nurseries
3.00
Mango harvesting
2.93
Mango propagation
2.83
Irrigation techniques maize, rice and mango
2.81
Export of mango and marketing of maize and cocoyam produce
2.60
Source: Field Data, 2011
Table 5.2.1 illustrates Extension Agents expressed need for training on pests and disease control
techniques for maize, rice and mango (3.50), post-harvest management (3.30), and wetland
farming (3.20). There was however a relatively small need for information on climate variability
(3.17), soil fertility conservation (3.10), and mechanized farming (3.07).The popularity in
demand for pest and disease control techniques by Extension Agents rather than climatic
variability as expressed by the farmers could be attributed to the fortnightly training (FNT)
attended by the extension agents under Ghana’s T& V extension system approach. Under this
system, Extension staff spend a substantial amount of time on FNT meetings, usually devoted to
teaching of technical subjects related that prioritise pest and disease control for increased staple
food production. Moreover, the trainings organized and delivered by Subject Matter Specialist
(SMS) could psychologically have been influenced Extension agents to suppose that pest and
disease control was the information they truly required for optimum delivery of extension
13
14. services. This finding supports Bruening et al (2002) hypothesis that more than 70% of
Extension agents need technical agricultural information to enable them adequately deliver
extension services to small scale farmers in South Africa.
5.2.2 Commercial Information Needs of Extension Agents in Northern Ghana
Table 5.2.2 Commercial Information Needs of Extension Agents (N=130)
Kind
of
Information
Commercial
Score
Rank
Cost of farm inputs for
mango cultivation
2.93
1
Marketing
produce
agricultural
2.90
2
Agricultural
co-operatives
and Micro credit
2.87
3
Fair trade and impact of
globalization on small-scale
farmers
2.85
4
Export
prices
certification standards
and
2.83
5
Import duties on equipments
for cold-chain storage of
mango
2.43
6
of
Source: Field survey, 2011
Extension agents also expressed a need to be informed on commercial aspects of agricultural
production. As data in Table 5.2.2 shows, information on cost of farm inputs, marketing of
agricultural produce and agricultural co-operatives and microcredit were placed at first, second
and third positions respectively. The next three items on which Extension agents wanted
information were fair trade and impact of globalization on small scale farmers, export prices and
certification standards, as well as import duties on storage facilities.
Comparing the scores for technical information and commercial information, it is interesting that
Extension agents indicated a lower need for commercial information. This finding supports,
Alfred and Odefadehan (2007) earlier assertion that most peasant farmers in Northern Ghana
rarely asked questions from the extension workers about the macro-economic aspects of their
production compared to their southern counterparts. As the study showed, majority of farmers in
Northern Ghana hold the perception that, as proceeds from sale of farm produce would not be
shared with Extension agents, it was not Extension agents’ responsibility to market their
produce. However, farmers in Northern Ghana somehow actually need to be informed on a
regular basis, on how, when and where to take their produce to realise higher margins of profit.
14
15. 5.2.3 Social Information Needs of Extension Agents in Northern Ghana
Table 5.2.3 Social Information Needs of Extension Agents (N=130)
Kind of Social Information
Score
Rank
Public presentation and Use of Exhibits
3.27
1
Application of research findings in Community
Development
3.17
2
Evaluation of extension programmes
3.13
3
Group formation dynamics
3.12
4
Farmer motivation
3.07
5
Gender planning and development in extension work
3.03
6
Topical concerns in extension practice
2.68
9
Rural entrepreneurship
2.45
10
Source: Field survey, 2011
Extension agents needed information on public presentations & use of demonstration exhibits,
application of research findings to farm community development, and evaluation of extension
programmes as seen in Table 4.2.3. Extension agents also ranked information on group
formation, farmer motivation and gender planning & development in extension work as the
fourth, fifth and sixth respectively. This may be explained by the fact that as educators and
facilitators of social change in farm communities, social information in this regard is essential to
society at large.
5.2.4 Legal Information Needs of Extension Agents in Northern Ghana
Table 5.2.4 Legal Information Needs of Extension Agents (N=130)
Kind of Legal Information
Score
Rank
Public Land Use and acquisition Law
3.37
1
Agricultural Agencies Law
3.00
2
Legislation on Agricultural products
2.10
3
Conflict resolution and management
2.07
4
General laws governing citizens( farmers)
2.05
5
Source: Field survey, 2011
15
16. The legal information needs of Extension agents is represented in Table 5.2.4.Extension agents
expressed a need for legal information with regard to Public land use & acquisition for
agricultural activities (3.37), Agricultural Agencies Law (3.00) and legislation on agricultural
products (2.10). Extension agents however, have slight need for information on conflict
resolution and management (2.07) and general laws governing citizens (2.05). On the surface,
primary responsibility of Extension agents does not require knowledge of legal issues but when
viewed in the light of influence of land ownership on farming and huge financial investments
and agreements that go into mechanized farming, legal information becomes a substantive factor
to consider in commercial farming activity.
The highly awakened need for information on public land use and acquisition as found by the
study, originates from the growing tensions between estate developers and commercial farmers
under shrinking land mass and rather cumbersome land tenure system administration in Northern
Ghana. This may have contributed to the markedly increased desire for legal information in
times where legal tussels and litigations over land are commonplace. Nevertheless, land litigation
is a daunting problem for commercial farming opporturnities in Ghana.
5.2.4 General Information Needs of Extension Agents in Northern Ghana
Table 5.2.5 General Information Needs of Extension Agents (N=130)
Kind of General Information
Score
Rank
Information repackaging and handling
3.17
1
Proposal writing and impact statements for sponsorships
3.15
2
Ecotourism
3.12
3
Supervision of farmer activities
3.11
4
Information on other disciplines such as home
management
3.00
5
Source: Field survey, 2009
General information for the purpose of this study refers to all miscellaneous information outside
the typical classifications of technical, commercial, social and legal information. General
information which is considered as management information is nevertheless crucial to improved
performance and delivery of services to farmers. As shown in Table 5.2.4, Extension agents
expressed a high need for knowledge on repackaging and handling of technical information
(3.17), writing of proposals & impact statements for sponsorship (3.15) and ecotourism (3.12).
This very interesting finding is a clear indication that Extension agents are less satisfied with the
form in which scientific information is presented during trainings and hence require more
competence in the art of information repackaging for increased performance on the field.
However, there was little need for information on supervision and organisation of farmers (3.0).
This finding supports the researchers’ assertion that though extension agents are typical
16
17. managers in a broader sense, Ghana’s extension system fails to prioritise management of human
capital as a cardinal framework for attainment of food security and rural development goals.
5.5 Prioritization of Information Needs by Extension Agents
It is clear from the results in Table 5.5.1 that although Extension Agents indicated needs for
commercial information, social information, legal information and general information, in order
of perceived degree of importance with regard to extension delivery, they prioritise technical
information (67.2%) and legal information (62.9 %) over social information (59.3%), general
information (43.7 %) and commercial information (35.6%).
Table 5.5.1
Ranking of Information Needs by Extension Agents (N=30)
Information Needs
High
35.6
64.4
High
59.3
40.7
High
62.9
37.1
High
43.7
Low
General information
32.8
Low
Legal information
67.2
Low
Social information
High
Low
Commercial information
Percentages
Low
Technical Information
Ranking
56.3
Source: Field survey, 2011
A very interesting finding however is that (62.9%) of extension agents ranked legal information
higher than social information and commercial information needs (59.3%) which is directly
linked to the extension value chain. This means that public land use and acquisition, agricultural
agencies laws, legislation on agricultural products and conflict resolutions & management are
topical issues in agriculture which must be given a closer look. Extension agents may tend to
need legal information than social and commercial information because traditional extension
sources of information have failed to address current emerging issue tied to food insecurity and
poor rural development.
5.6 Sources of Information
Magnire (1994) found that sources of information for extension service delivery may be personal
or impersonal, public or private, and passive or interactive. However this finding does not
specify or mention personal or impersonal sources. This study seeks to remedy this deficiency by
catergoring sources as shown in Table 5.6
17
18. Table 5.6: Respondents’ Sources of information for Extension Work (N=130)
Source
Percentages (%)
Boss/Supervisor
73.3
Training
60.0
Research Stations
40.0
Seminars/ workshops
53.0
Print media :Books/Journals/Newsletters
46.7
Electronic media (Radio/ TV)
40.2
CD-ROMS
21.3
Internet
20.0
Colleagues
73.2
Farmers
56.7
Source, Field Survey, 2011
The sources of information that Extension agents’ in Northern Ghana were inclined towards
Boss/Supervisor (73.3%), Colleagues (73.2%), training (60.0%), print media (56.7%) and
seminars/workshops (53.0 %).This is an indication that Extension agents preferred the above
mentioned sources of information than the other sources of information since more than 50
percent of the Extension Agents in the study area endorsed them as useful in extension delivery.
While the other sources of information which extension agents were less inclined towards
included internet (20.0%) and CD-ROMS (21.3%) electronic media (TV/Radio) (40.2%). On the
basis of these findings, the Boss/ supervisor has been revealed as the Extension agents’ most
preferred source of information in undertaking their professional duties as an overwhelming 74
percent of them affirmed it. This preference could be attributed to the ease with which Extension
agents can directly receive information from Boss/ supervisor without having to expend plenty
time searching for that information. For issues that are not understood by Extension Agents
additional clarification can easily be sought from the Boss/ supervisor before going to the field.
Other reasons for this may be due to the fact that Extension Agents are answerable to Boss/
supervisors and are seen to be the best and most dependable sources of information for fast
delivery of extension services. Furthermore, Extension agents, as it’s the case of all junior staff
members in Ghanaian public institutions, tending to look for a back up for many lapses on their
part, may want someone to blame in the untimely event of disaster especially were technical
expertise is required, will undoubtedly prefer the Boss/supervisor. Apart from the Boss/
supervisor being the most readily available information source with the technical acumen to
assist Extension agents on any problems they encounter, they are also more experienced in the
extension work since most of the Boss/Supervisors were former Extension agents.Again, this
18
19. contradicts findings of Alfred and Odefadehan (2007) who reported that training rather the
Boss/supervisor was the main source of information that extension agents were more disposed to
in carrying out extension activities.
5.6 Ranking of Information Sources by Effectiveness in Extension Service Work
Table 5.6 highlights the most useful information sources with regard to extension service
delivery. These information sources were ranked on basis of their effectiveness as perceived by
the Extensions Agents to the delivery of extension services in the study area. In order of
effectiveness in this regard, Research stations (89.3 %), trainings (86.7%) and Boss/Supervisor
(80.1 %) were rated first, second, and third respectively. While in order of ineffectiveness for the
extension work, CD-ROMS (87.7%), internet (81.1 %) and electronic media (71.3 %) were rated
first, second, and third respectively.
Table 5.5: Ranking of Effectiveness of Information Sources by Extension
Agents (N=130)
Information Needs
Boss/supervisor
Training
Research stations
Seminars/workshops
Print media
Electronic media(Radio /TV)
Internet
Colleagues
Farmers
CD-ROM
Ranking
Percentages (%)
Effective
Ineffective
Effective
Ineffective
Effective
Ineffective
Effective
Ineffective
Effective
Ineffective
Effective
Ineffective
Effective
Ineffective
Effective
Ineffective
Effective
Ineffective
Effective
Ineffective
80.1
19.9
86.7
13.3
89.3
10.7
83.3
16.7
47.5
52.5
28.7
71.3
18.9
81.1
60.7
39.3
55.8
44.2
12.3
87.7
Source: Field survey, 2011
Based on these perceptions, it was found that, Boss/ supervisor, Research stations training,
seminars/workshops, farmers and colleagues were seen to be more useful and practical aids in
extension delivery than the internet, CD-ROMS and the electronic media. Several reasons could
be cited for this poor rating of the internet and electronic media (TV/Radio) as effective
information sources in extension work. In the first place, a large percentage of the Extension
19
20. Agents residing in villages may lack the knowledge and skills to access the internet even though
it has been worldly acclaimed in this digital age, as the leading source of information for
extension service delivery. Secondly, access and use of CD-ROMS may not be encouraged
because of the relatively high cost associated with their production and maintenance.An
interesting revelation however, is the fact that (72%) of the Extension agents do not perceive
radio as an effective source of information for extension work in Ghana. Radio is an effective
source of follow-up information for iimproving adoption of new innovations rather than as
primary sources of technical information for field/results demonstrations in farmer field schools
(FFS).
5.7 Extension Agents’ Frequency of Use of Information Sources
A scale of 1 (once a year use), 2 (use twice a year), 3 (use approximately once every 3 or 4
months), 4 (use approximately once a month) and 5,(use approximately once a week) was
designed to determine the degree of use of these information sources by Extension agents.
Accordingly, Table 5.7 presents data on the frequency of utilization of these information sources
for extension delivery. Of the 130 Extension agents who participated in this study, 62.6 %
reported having consulted the Boss/supervisor once every month, for technical information to
undertake some extension activity. No Extension agent (0%) however claimed never to have
consulted the Boss/ supervisor for information. This makes the Boss/ supervisor the most
accessed information source, followed by seminars/workshops, training, and electronic media
which are 3.3% , 4.0%, and 4.3% respectively. By this table, 56.7 % and 33.3 % of Extension
agents claimed never to use the print media and research stations respectively, for purposes of
obtaining information to undertake extension work. The reasons for this low patronage could be
attributed to the high levels of bureaucracy associated with obtaining information from research
stations as well as the uninteractive nature of most print media and its inability to identify and
solve the local problems of farmers specific to each district in Ghana.
Table 5.7
Frequency of use N=130
1
2
3
4
5
Total
%
%
%
%
%
%
0
26.7
6.7
4.0
62.6
100
Training
4.0
42.7
20.0
23.3
10.0
100
Research Stations
33.3
40.0
13.3
7.4
3.3
100
Seminars/workshops
3.3
46.7
29.3
13.3
7.4
100
Print media :Books/Journals/
Newsletters etc
56.7
13.3
10.7
12.6
6.7
100
Electronic media (Radio/TV)
4.3
6.7
9.0
10.0
70.0
100
Colleagues & farmers
3.3
3.3
10.0
16.7
66.7
100
Source of Information
Boss/Supervisor
Source, Field data, 2009
20
21. Note: 1= once a year, 2=Twice a year, 3=Once in 3months, 4=Once a month, 5=Once a week.
Concusions & Recommendations
Removing institutional barriers to practicable information that can be effectively applied to
increase food security and reduce poverty among rural poor is very significant in meeting
national and household production targets. Governments, para-statal institutions like MOFA and
MESS, NGO’s and independent organizations need to collaborate to promote information
generation, acquisition and dissemination to farmers. Organizations responsible for generation of
agricultural information creation, like research institutes, need to be equipped with necessary
tools and human resources to undertake research that meet the local needs of the small-scale
farmer. Acquisition and access to agricultural information and information for Agriculture
should not only be gathered, but organized and made available to Extension Agents in various
formats suitable for use.
Dissemination of information through extension services should be established to incorporate all
stakeholders, including potential ones as the market expands. Positive rewards should be
encouraged as a way of attracting more researchers in agricultural extension as a profession.
Organizations involved in agricultural information should participate actively in identifying
research topics aimed at advancing agriculture. Also planning, monitoring and evaluation of
research projects be done periodically to establish smooth progression in agricultural practice.
Training of Extension Agents in agricultural information management and skills must be
emphasized as these are significant in advancing agriculture in Ghana. Particularly when the
respondents indicated their interest in attending regular workshops and seminars in order to
acquire new information and ideas on agriculture. It is observed that these gatherings could
enable farmers and agriculturists to share knowledge and experiences. Training should focus on
promoting primary production of agricultural produce, producing a catalogue of research
findings which will facilitate the exchange of validated results between organizations,
communities and FBOs. Based upon the findings of the study, it is recommended that, in
addition to the training received by the Extension Agents, efforts should be made to sensitize
them towards the use of electronic technology to obtain up-to-date global information relevant to
extension delivery. In addition the content of the training should include the basics of computer
literacy to enable the Extension Agents to be able to access internet and similar information
technologies for improved extension delivery.
21
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