PERCEIVED EFFECTS OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES ON LIVELIHOOD OF ARABLE CROP FARMERS IN ONA ARA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE

Abstract

Agricultural extension services serve as a vital bridge between research institutions and farmers by disseminating relevant information, introducing improved technologies, and providing technical support to enhance farming practices. Assessing the effect of these services is essential for determining their effectiveness in increasing farmers' income and improving their overall livelihoods, including food security, health, and social well-being. This study was conducted to assess the perceived effects of agricultural extension services on the livelihood of arable crop farmers in Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 120 arable crop farmers. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Results revealed that the majority of respondents were male (67.5%), aged above 51 years (46.7%), married (6 6.7%), and had attained secondary education (57.5%). Most operated farms between 6–10 hectares (41.7%) and were members of cooperatives (71.7%) and farmers’ associations (60.0%). Among the extension services, advisory services were the most widely accessed (79.2%), followed by nutrition education (50.0%) and livestock extension services (47.5%). Farmers perceived agricultural extension services as significantly improving their productivity and encouraging crop diversification, thereby enhancing food security. Key challenges to effective service delivery includes: limited access to technology (mean = 2.45) and weak collaboration with research institutions (mean = 2.40). Chisquare analysis indicated that sex, marital status, cooperative membership, and sources of credit were significantly associated with the perceived effect of extension services, while age, household size, years of farming experience, and farm size were not significantly related. It is recommended that Government and other supporters should provide farmers and extension workers with affordable tools like mobile phones, internet access, and computers.