KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF FARMERS ON PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined farmer’s knowledge and practices in relation to private sector engagement in agricultural extension service in Kano State, Nigeria. The study objectives were to assess the level of farmers’ knowledge about areas of private sector engagement in agricultural extension services in Kano State and to examine farmer’s practices in relation to the areas of private sector engagement in agricultural extension services. Two research questions guided the study. Survey research design was used for the study. The study population was 4200 farmers and 359 extension Personnel in Kano State out of which 384 contact farmers and 30 extension Personnel were used as sample size, based on simple random sampling, stratified and proportionate sampling techniques. Knowledge and Practices of Farmers on Private Sector Engagement Questionnaire was used in collecting data. The instrument was validated by 4 experts from Departments of Adult Education and Community Services, Agric Economics and Extension, Test and Measurement, BUK and Sasakawa Global. The reliability score of 0.72 for questionnaire was obtained by using Cronbach alpha reliability test. The questionnaires were administered by the researcher with the help of 4 research assistants. Data were analysed using frequency counts and percentage, mean score, standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that the farmer’s level of knowledge about areas of private sector engagement in extension services was high and covered novel areas where farmers indicated interest. Diverse farmer’s practices in relation to the areas of private sector engagement in agricultural extension services were found during the study. The study concluded that the level of farmer’s knowledge about private sector engagement was high and has influenced their agricultural practices. It was finally recommended that: private extension organization should improve participatory action research as an area of private extension services, in order to enhance the farmers’ knowledge and skills and farmers that should listen and watch radio and television programmes related to agricultural extension services in order to enrich their knowledge, improve their skills and advance their capabilities in farming activities.