AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION TEACHING METHODS AND THE ADOPTION OF IMPROVED RICE VARIETIES AMONG SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN EDU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE.

Abstract

This study assesses the role of agricultural extension teaching methods on the adoption of improved rice varieties among small scale farmers in Edu local government area of Kwara state, To achieve the study objectives, multi – stage random sampling technique was used to select 160 respondents from five villages of Edu local government. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and T- test. The result showed that 48.5% of the adopters of improved rice varieties were in the active age range of between 30 – 40 years. The result further shows that demonstration (SPAT) with (43.8%) was the best extension teaching method for adoption of improved rice varieties by small scale farmers in the study area. The regression analyses on the estimation factors that affect the output of respondents showed that land size, educational status and adoption rate were statistically significant and have positive relationship with their output. The T- test result of the output of adopters of improved rice varieties and non –adopters was statistically significant (2.579) at 5% level. Some of the problems encountered by the respondents in the study area include inadequate technical knowledge on improved rice varieties, poor communication channels and difficulties in accessing improved varieties of seed. Formulation of agricultural policies that will enhance better communication channels, adequate and timely supply of inputs such as improved seeds of rice and fertilizer, provision of adequate knowledge on the control of pest and diseases will increase the adoption of rice and output of the farmers in the study area.