Synthesis of extension models and analysis for sustainable agricultural technologies: lessons for extension workers in southwest, Nigeria.

Abstract

Sustainable Agriculture is a way of farming that can be carried out for generations to come. Models are developed, utilized and adapted yet there are limitations. Problems still exist, as adapted models were not fully bringing adoption and sustainability of technologies, there is a need to have an understanding of farmers' situations and constraints from adapted models. It is imperative to evaluate different models over time and synthesis them in order to develop a model that will meet the need of farmers in Southwest, Nigeria. In-depth study devices were used to collect data, which were analyzed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. The study further revealed that sustained use of technology contributed significantly to explain the variance in the net benefits of the investment analysis on maize, cassava and soybean technologies using adapted models. Improved productivity/high yield: Improved savings and investment, Better information accessibility, Better nutrition and health, High socio-economic status, Increased income and Increased social participation It could therefore be concluded that sustain agricultural technologies models adaptable to different situation and time contributed significantly to some dimensions of members' well-being and if technologies are sustained with full use of recommended inputs, it can alleviate the problems of peasant farmers and will obviously boost food production, as well as meeting the goal of being self sufficient in food supply to the ever increasing population. To achieve this, the following major recommendations were made: (i) Technologies should be cost effective and flexible for result oriented adoption and adaptation (ii) Governments should encourage Nigerians in their active working age to take to maize, cassava and soybean production. (iii) Effective cooperative societies should be organized in the study area for farmers. (iv) Government should fund research and extension to enhance sustainable agriculture. (vi) Finally there should be adequate provision of inputs required for whole adoption of technologies other than the present experience where partial adoption occurred on the field. Regular evaluation and monitoring of output should be encouraged to affirm that the stipulated research results are realised. Source: CAB