ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION METHODS OF THE RIVERS STATE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (RISADEP)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the assessment of Agricultural Extension Methods of Rivers State Agricultural Development Programme (RISADEP).In disseminating the skills of testing viability the following was observed, provision of regular and systematic training programmes for the department staff for effective programme and provision of effective inter – department linkage in the process of generating and disseminating low cost technologies and finally increasing the number of well-trained extension agents for state coverage. A total of two hundred and ten (210) questionnaires were distributed, one hundred and eighty (180) participating farmers and thirty (30) extension personnel drawn from nine (9) operational areas where RISADEP was being practiced. The socio – economics characteristics of extension personnel of the RISADEP indicates low level of female participation in farm activities. Furthermore farmers in the study areas believed that farm work is mainly for men, no particular skill possessed by extension personnel was regarded as the best effective extension methods. Finally, it was recommended that extension programme must be flexible in order to meet the different demands of the farmers, quality of training given to farmers depends on the skill of officers, the socio – economics characteristics of farmers must be considered before adoption should be introduced, the state RISADEP should encourage their field extension personnel for effective performance in their service and finally the constraints of the extension methods should be minimized through enhanced staff supervision.