POULTRY FARMERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF EXTENSION SERVICE DELIVERY THROUGH INPUT PROVIDERS IN OGBOMOSO ZONE OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined commercial poultry farmers’ perceptions of extension services rendered through input providers in Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone of Oyo State. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 99 commercial poultry farmers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The results showed that the mean age of farmers was 43.0± 7.1 years; most farmers (74.4%) were male, while 28.9% were educated. Input providers rendered various extension services such as farmer mobilisation (78.9%), investment information (78.9%) and facilitating seminars/workshops (75.6%). Commercial poultry farmers’ perceptions of input providers’ extension services was shown to be favourable (53.3%). There was a significant negative correlation between age and perception of extension services (r =-0.25, p<0.05). For enhanced and sustainable input providers’ extension services, there is the need to ensure a blend between both publicly and privately provided extension services. This may involve role delineation for each actor to complement each other towards sustainable extension services in poultry production.