UTILIZATION OF “RADIO FARMER” PROGRAMME OF IMO AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME BY RURAL FARMERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed the utilization of ‘radio farmer’ programme of Imo State Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) by rural farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the demographic characteristics of the farmers; examined rural farmers’ access to agricultural technologies disseminated through the “radio farmer” programme; assessed the extent to which the technologies were utilized by the farmers as well ascertained problems likely to constrain the effective utilization of the ‘radio farmer’ programme by the farmers. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select one hundred and fifty (150) farmers for the study. Structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect data from the respondents. Frequency distribution, percentage counts, mean score analysis and Ordinary Least Square multiple regression were used in data analyses. Result revealed that majority (86%) of the farmers had formal education. 88% had access to the ‘radio farmer’ programme. Majority (91.7%) of the farmers were using the ‘radio farmer’ programme to access information on improved agronomic practices. Result further showed that all the technologies disseminated through the “radio farmer” programme were utilized, though, at varying degrees: Snail farming (M= 2.5), dry season vegetable production (M= 3.0), poultry production (M= 2.0), rabbit keeping(M= 2.4), mushroom production (M=2.1), bee-keeping (M=2.4), yam minisette technique (M=2.3), etc. Majority (97.5%) of the farmers perceived the radio farmer programme as an effective channel of disseminating agricultural innovations. The demographic attributes of the farmers had a strong direct relationship (R²= 0.72) with the utilization of the radio farmer programme. However, time of broadcast was identified as a serious problem militating against the utilization of the ‘radio farmer’ programme (M= 2.3).It was therefore recommended that portable radio receivers which can be carried about should be provided for the farmers to enable them listen to the programme anywhere anytime.

Keywords: utilization, radio farmer programme, Imo State ADP, rural farmers, agricultural technologies,