Experts Review Agri Extension Programs for Nigerian Rural Farmers

Researchers from Landmark University, Nigeria, reviewed the current research trajectory of agricultural extension programs implemented in the country and found that there need to be more efforts to diffuse knowledge to facilitate the adoption of innovations that will help farmers. Their findings are published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research.

The researchers collected information about the programs implemented in Nigeria and compared them with the best agricultural extension and rural advisory services in other countries, especially those in Asia. The insights from other countries led them to conclude that Nigeria's extension system could be more efficient in communicating innovations in global agricultural services since their strategy still uses one-way communication wherein extension agents serve as teachers to farmers. The authors recommended additional communication training for the extension agents and adopting a two-way communication strategy that recognizes farmers as co-designers of agricultural innovations and not just passive receivers of information.

Read the full paper in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research.