ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING FARMERS’ UTILIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the socioeconomic and institutional factors influencing farmers’ utilization of agricultural extension services in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed for the study.  The first stage involved the purposive selection of two Local Government Areas (LGAs), i.e., Soba and Ikara, based on the threshold of tomato production in the study area. Secondly, a random sampling of four communities from the two LGAs. A total of 214 tomato farmers were used for the study which was calculated using Slovian’s formula. Descriptive statistics and Tobit regression analysis were used for the study. The findings showed that tomato farmers were young with an average of 38 years and relative experience of 15 years in tomato farming and had an average of 9 persons per household. The result of farmers’ utilization of extension service delivery shows that the extension delivery method, farmers’ indigenous knowledge and extension contacts were positive and a significant factor with a coefficient of 0.1346 at 1% probability. Farm size and income were positive and significant factors at 10% level in influencing farmers' utilization of agricultural extension services. The study recommends that structured training should focus on planting techniques, proper fertilizer application, agrochemical usage, mulching, weed control, and efficient harvesting. Therefore, efforts should be made by extension agents to organize field demonstrations and practical workshops that will equip farmers with hands-on skills to optimize yields and improve farm management practices.