Agricultural Transformation Agenda in Nigeria: How Prepared is the Technology Transfer-Sub System?

Abstract

The Agricultural Transformation Agenda is aimed at making agriculture work for Nigerians especially rural farmers such that it becomes not just a development programme but also an income generating commercial activity. If this would be achieved, the technology transfer sub-system with the mandate of extension services to the farmers need to be strengthened. The study investigated how prepared the sub-system is with reference to the on-going transformation. Ninety three staff of the Agricultural Development Programme were used for the study. Data were collected by the use of questionnaire and analysed using mean score and percentage. Results show weak capacities with regards to training/human resource development (60%), equipment acquisition (75%) and workforce (90%) in the technology transfer sub-system. The results also reveal capacity building for extension personnel (M=4.0), proper funding of extension (M=4.0), proper staffing of extension service (M=4.0), favourable agricultural extension policies (M=4.0) as some of the strategies for strengthening the sub-system. The study therefore recommends that government should provide enabling environment for the sub-system to make them relevant and effective in the on-going Agricultural Transformation Agenda.

Keywords: Agricultural Transformation Agenda, technology transfer sub-system, extension, agriculture