AWARENESS OF AND DEMAND FOR PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES AMONG SMALL-SCALE FARMERS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the awareness of and demand for private agricultural extension services among smallscale farmers in Nigeria, using farmers in Oyo state as a case study. Specifically, the study examined the availability and operations of private agricultural extension services and factors that determine farmers’ willingness to pay for such services. The results showed that a considerable number of farmers are willing to pay for private agricultural extension services. The number of plots cultivated by the farmers was found to influence farmers’ willingness to pay for private agricultural extension services at one percent level of significance. Income, awareness, family size and total number of plots were identified as the major factors influencing the use of private agricultural extension services in the study area. The study recommended the need for the government to mobilize farm households to avail themselves of benefits of private extension services. Efforts should also be stepped up by all development stake-holders to provide additional sources of income for farm households, in order to raise their income and demand capabilities.