The International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD)
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 102 Document Number: D10917
Notes:
14 pages., via IAALD website., The study determined farmers’ adoption of Organic agricultural technologies disseminated via radio
farmer agricultural Extension programme in Imo state, Nigeria. An interview schedule was used to
collect data from a sample of 200 farmers. Results show that radio farmer broadcast and co-farmers
were the major sources of information to greater proportion of the farmers. Data on relevance of the
organic agricultural technologies disseminated showed that almost all the technologies were perceived
to be relevant except the use of biological pest control farming. The radio farmer agricultural
programme enhanced the extent of adoption of organic agricultural technologies namely; crop rotation
practice, planting of indigenous varieties, application of compost, mulching of crops, intercropping,
mixed cropping, crop residues, animal manuring, planting of legumes, green manure, off farm organic
waste, minimum tillage and alley cropping. Nevertheless, the adoptions of the technologies were
generally low. Age, farming experience and social participation significantly influenced adoption of
organic agricultural technologies disseminated via radio farm agricultural Extension programme. Major
constraints identified include short duration of programme, inappropriate scheduling of programme,
inability to ask relevant questions and get feed back from the radio presenter. The study recommends
among other things the rescheduling of the radio programme to very late in the evenings when the
farmers will be opportune to listen to the programme.
The International Association of Agricultural Information Specialists (IAALD)
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 102 Document Number: D10897
Notes:
8 pages., IAALD XIIIth World Congress., via IAALD website., Governments have been largely responsible for research and the provision of extension services in Nigeria. The emphasis has been on the transfer of technology, paying little attention to farmer development and communication needs. Recently, the high output of agricultural research has led to a large pool of new agricultural technologies, which are yet to be disseminated to farmers, particularly those in the core rural areas. Therefore this study examined development and information need of the resource poor and the strategy adopted to meet these needs, using „town crier‟ as a case study. The study identified 2 states in south west, Nigeria, based on literature/past studies, where this concept has been adopted. A focused group discussion technique and interview schedule was adopted for data collection. The study identified 141 „town criers‟ across the study areas through the help of key informants. Results shown all Town Criers are male, average age of 55.54 years and all have postsecondary education. Town Crier primarily source of information is from the traditional-head. Main information disseminated by the Town Crier bothers on security of the town and community development and projects. The study concluded that this channel rarely meets the information need of the people, as the study revealed that only 20% of such information meets these needs. Past studies have documented that information/communication channels in Nigeria such as extension institution has collapse, there is no effective communication channels in the country again. The small number of extension officers that exists, only congregate at the urban towns, leaving behind those at the rural areas. Thus, the use of town criers in this regards can be used effectively to fill this gap and can also be trained on basic extension work.
8 pages., via online journal., This study appraised the level of usage of satellite imaging and selected Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools by agricultural extension workers (EWs) in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. Specifically, information on usage of satellite imaging, personal skill ratings, and constraints faced by respondents in the usage of ICT equipment were gathered. Findings revealed that a majority of the respondents (97%) perceived themselves as incompetent in reading and interpreting satellite imaging for agricultural information dissemination. The study posited that government at various levels should assist in training EWs on digital compatibility.
