No abstract

The use of mobile phones as means o f communication between the extension agents and local farmers in Edo South was examined to determine the perception of the extension agents on its effectiveness. Fi ftyone (51) respondents were obtained through random sampling using questionnaires to obtain relevant information in the two local government areas; Ovia North East and Ovia South West selected for the study. The result obtained indicated that male extension agents were in majority (72.5%), 54.9% of the sampled population above 45 years of age and 58.8% possesed 16 -20 years working experience. Phone calls and short message service (SMS) were found appropriate for agricultural information dissemination. Significant and positive relationship were established between the working experience of extension agents and their perception of mobile phone usage. The recommendation is that formal integration of mobile phone into extension activities be done to enhance wider coverage, reduce cost and risks associated with movement. Extension agents and farmers need more training on effective usage of SMS and phone calls for interaction on farm related issues. Enforcement of existing telecommunication laws could reduce network failure and also enhance effective usage.

This study appraised the impact of the training programme (such a feed formulation, house preparation, brooding vaccination schedule, stocking density, litter application, types sorting and handling of eggs, record keeping and accounts) given to poultry farmers by the private sector. Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited was used as a case study. The study objectives were to investigate the sources of the information about the training programmes, identified training needs of participants, capture adoption techniques, ascertained training satisfaction level, ascertained property acquisition of beneficiaries before and after the training and identify constraints facing the participants. A simple random sampling technique was used for this study to obtain a sample size of 84. A set of questionnaires was used to elicit information from respondents. Data obtained were analyzed statistically. The study revealed that the majority (82.1%) were males with a mean age of 30years and mean the farming experience was two years. The major source of information was radio (52.4%). Training need such as feed formulation (66.9%) optimal on needs assessment rating. The majority (at medium level) adopted the training rendered on feed formulation, stocking density, brooding techniques, and medication techniques. Respondents were mostly satisfied with training given on brooding (mean = 3.4). The most serious constraint was the inadequate provision of starter packs to trainees. On before and after comparison, the T-test showed that there were significant differences between the various properties acquired after the training programme (p0.05). The study concluded that trainees were satisfied with the training as it contributed to increased wellbeing. It was recommended that trainees should be equipped after training sessions to ensure best practices and food security.

This study examined the perception of urban vegetable farmers on organic farming. Data were collected from 102 respondents using a multi stage sampling technique and a structured interview schedule. Results indicate that the majority of the farmers were females (89.2%) with (87.25%) married and mean age 40.8. Only 10.8% had no education. Most respondents (70.59%) went into vegetable farming as a means of secondary income and for home consumption (82.35%). Major constraints faced by respondents include bulkiness of organic materials (= 3.34), inability to handle/preserve/process organic material (= 2.99) and no access to training on organic vegetable farming ((= 3.79). Perception of farmers on organic farming was generally unfavourable (58.8%) however, it was significantly correlated to age (r = 0.171), marital status ( 2 = 17.96, p = 0.05) and educational attainment ( 2 = 6.397, p = 0.05). It concluded that farmers used organic farming to improve on their income and soil nutrient status and as such recommended appropriate institutional support to encourage organic farming.

No abstract