PRIORITIZATION OF FARMERS’ NEEDS IN THE THREE AGRICULTURAL ZONES OF ABIA STATE FOR EXTENSION SERVICE

Abstract

The study focused on the prioritization of needs of farmers in the three agricultural zones of Abia State, Nigeria, and challenges to extension services. It identified the major crops and animals raised by farmers in the area, examined farmers’ needs, and identified the challenge to extension services in the zones. Multistage random sampling was used in selecting 180 respondents in the study area. A structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion were used in eliciting information from the respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as percentage, frequency, and mean score were employed in data analysis Results showed that cassava was the first in the crop ranking among the three agricultural zones, while poultry was the first in the animal ranking, followed by goat, sheep, and pig production. The most available labour was household members. Male farmers had more access to hired labour than females. Farmers need storage facilities (=2.8), processing equipment (=2.5), and farm inputs (=2.3). Challenges of the farmers were, lack of access to credit facilities (=2.4), extension advice (=2.1), pest and disease attack (=2.1), and adequate land (=2.1). The study recommended that government should provide credit facilities and farm inputs to farmers to harness the needs and challenges of the farmers to improve production and their standard of living.