EFFECTS OF AUDIENCE SIMULATION ON THE KNOWLEDGE OF DIEBACK DISEASE MANAGEMENT AMONG COCOA FARMERS IN IFE EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Tonnes of annual cocoa production are lost to pest infestation. Several interventions have been employed to promote alternative pest management for sustainable pest management. This paper examines the potency of audience simulation experimentation on management of dieback diseases of cocoa in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State, Southwestern, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 cocoa farmers. Data were obtained on farmers’ socioeconomic and enterprise characteristics as well as knowledge of dieback disease management before and after exposure to audience simulation. Results show that farmers averaged 60 years old, mostly male (65.0%) and with no formal education (51.7%). Most respondents (66.7%)) were favourably disposed to the use of audience simulation in pest management information dissemination. There was a general improvement in respondents’ knowledge level of issues on traditional management of dieback. In addition, more farmers correctly answered questions on environmental friendly practices such as prevention through keeping cocoa seedling in the nursery (75.8%). It is concluded that communication intervention to promote environmental friendly pest and disease management practices could be one of the drivers of transition to alternative pest and disease management. Development agencies should establish community viewing and broadcast centers where extension clientele can be reached in groups.