The study investigated the perceived effectiveness of radio jingles in combating the spread of Corona Virus among rural dwellers in Ogun State. It ascertained respondents’ awareness, knowledge, benefits derived and perceived effectiveness of the radio jingle in combating the spread of Covid-19. Using a multistage sampling procedure, 150 rural dwellers were randomly sampled and interviewed. Data were analyzed using percentages, means and correlation analysis at p=0.05. Results indicated that respondents were mostly aware of caution messages (𝑥̅ = 0.93±0.25), adherence to all non-pharmaceuticals preventive measures (𝑥̅ = 0.92±0.26) and warnings on adherence to preventive measures (𝑥̅ = 0.91±0.28). Knowledge was mostly high around issues of wearing of face mask (𝑥̅ = 0.90±0.30), social distancing (𝑥̅ = 0.84±0.37) and health workers’ vulnerability (0.84±0.48). Benefits derived included debunking myths about the virus (𝑥̅ = 1.86±0.87) and improved personal hygiene (𝑥̅ = 1.65±0.70). The jingle was perceived as highly effective in sensitizing others about the pandemic (𝑥̅ = 2.92±1.70) and vaccine information (𝑥̅ = 2.79±1.10). There was a significant relationship between awareness level and the perceived effectiveness of radio jingle (r = 0.318). Radio jingle was perceived effective by the rural dwellers, therefore should be intensified by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control in combating corona virus and other issues of public health importance.

This study investigated the information needs of cassava farmer-processors on cassava value addition technologies in Oyo State, Nigeria, to ascertain areas of information gap for farmers to maximally exploit the opportunities inherent in the product value addition. Using a multistage sampling procedure, 130 registered cassava farmer-processors were sampled and interviewed. Data were collected on  respondents’ enterprise characteristics, access to information, perceived benefits and constraints to accessing information and  information needs on cassava value addition. Data were analysed using percentage, mean and correlational analysis at p=0.05. Results reveal that respondents had farm size and farming experience of 2.3 ha and 20.1±13.8 years, respectively, while income was  ₦273,784.6±₦458281.3. Though respondents were constrained with low income (70.0%), they reckoned that if they had access to  information on value addition, their postharvest loss would be reduced (89.2%). Respondents had information gap on information needs on value addition technologies for producing cassava adhesives (1st), glucose syrups (2nd) and confectionaries (3rd). Farming experience (r = -.236), constraints (r = -.288) and access to sources of information were significantly related to respondents’ information needs. It is recommended that information on improved cassava value addition technologies be made available to cassava farmers through relevant sources, especially during emergencies coupled with hands –on training for effective application of information acquired.