CONTACT FARMERS APPROACH TO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION IN AFIJIO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE

Abstract

An important feature of the T & V system of agricultural extension is the use of contact farmers with the main purpose of multiplying the teaching effectiveness of Village Extension Agents (VEAS). This study was thus designed to examine the use of contact-farmers, and the extent to which the objectives of their services are being realised in the study area. Eighty-five contact farmers and eighty-five non-contact farmers were interviewed in Afijio Local Government Area between May and July, 1992 as sources of data. The study showed that contact farmers were being used to disseminate technical information to a large population of farmers in almost all aspects of agriculture with a high degree of effectiveness except in fisheries. The process of training contact farmers by VEAs, teaching of noncontact farmers by contact farmers and timely supply of needed inputs to farmers, had not been properly articulated.

Some personal and socio-economic characteristics namely age, level of education, income, family size, number of wives, and number of children showed significant differences between contact and non-contact farmers. These characteristics should therefore be taken into consideration in future selection and use of contact farmers. It was recommended from the findings of the study that training should be immediately followed by application of knowledge by contact farmers and non-contact farmers to facilitate adoption. Needed inputs should be provided on time. Fishery extension should be strengthened.