Educational and communication strategies used by extension workers in Onitsha Agricultural Zone of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the education and communication strategies used by extension workers in Onitsha Agricultural zone of Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of forty extension workers, comprising of thirty-five extension agents and five subject matter specialists were used. Structured questionnaires were used in collecting relevant information. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and a Likert-type scale. The result revealed that Onitsha agricultural zone has young and highly educated extension personnel, which is an advantage for innovation adoption and transfer. The result showed that especially face to face, demonstration, group discussion, radio and formal lectures were effectively and efficiently used by the extension agents. The strategies had best performance in crops and livestock production by farmers. Majority (97.5%) of the respondents accepted incorporation of indigenous extension strategies such as meeting, town criers and group discussion because farmers learn easily through them and is used to them. It was concluded that incorporation of indigenous extension methods in the dissemination of information to farmers should be integrated into the extension delivery system in Anambra State.