Authors:
Echetama, J.A.;
Ani, A.O.;
Onoh, P.A.;
Ojo, O.U.;
Opara, I.U and Oguegbuchulam, M.N. |
Abstract:
The study assessed perceived constraints to roles of local leaders in effective agricultural
information dissemination among farmers in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. The
specific objectives include to: examine the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers,
identify perceived sources of agricultural information available to the local leaders, determine
perceived roles of local leaders to farmers, ascertain perceived extent of satisfaction among
farmers of the roles of the local leaders and Identify perceived constraints to effective
performance of local leaders' roles in agricultural information dissemination. Data were
collected using questionnaire administered to 112 local leaders and analysed using simple
statistical tool as frequency distribution, percentages, mean and likert type scale measuring
instrument. The result of the study showed that most of the farmers were males (53.8%). The
study revealed that extension agents ( =2.6), friends and neighbours =2.7 were the major
sources of information available to the respondents. Majority (78%) of the respondents play the
role of legitimizing extension development efforts. Most of the farmers were satisfied with the
local leaders roles having scored mean of 2.0 and above in most of the criteria used in assessing
them. Perceived constraints identified include: lack of training, extension contact and motivation
for local leaders by extension agents. Finally, the study recommended among others strong
government support for extension agents in providing adequate training through workshops,
seminars etc for the local leaders to perform their roles most effectively. |
