Effectiveness of Agricultural Extension Services in Agribusiness Value Addition for Food Security in Nigeria

Abstract

The dwindling performance of the agricultural sector in Nigeria has been seemingly adduced to the inability of the nation and entrepreneurs to effectively add value to the agricultural product. This scenario has limited the gain accrued to most agro-entrepreneurs and the nation at large from value addition. Many value addition technologies that could afford entrepreneurs the requisite skills and processes to improve the quality of agro products abounds. A lot of post-harvest losses has been recorded in Nigeria and huge sums of money lost to food spoilage especially the perishable ones. Adding value to farm products becomes vital for rural growth by enhancing farm income and providing employment in the processing businesses. Therefore, agricultural extension plays a crucial role in promoting agricultural productivity, increasing food security, improving rural livelihoods and promoting agriculture as an engine of pro-poor economic growth. In fact, agricultural extension service delivery is one among other institutions that can make a difference to rural development through the dissemination of relevant technologies and innovations that can position agriculture as a business. This study therefore, reviews the effectiveness agricultural extension services in agribusiness value addition. It therefore recommends an orientation of agro-entrepreneurs on the importance of extension services to various entrepreneurship activities. This will ensure adequate collaboration among the key players for sustainable food security.