Constraints Militating Against Agricultural Extension Services In Isiala-Ngwa North

ABSTRACT

The research work was necessitated as a result of low agricultural production due partly to traditional practices and at a subsistence level. The main objective of the research study was to identify the constraints militating against extension services in the area. The specific objectives were to identify the extent/ nature of organization of extension service, the frequency of visits by extension agents and method of dissemination of innovations. Random sampling technique was used in data collection and data collected were analysed by descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, means, percentages). Research results show that the percentage of female farmers was higher than the percentage of male farmers. Majority of the farmers do not have contact with extension agents. The frequency of extension visits was low. The major means of information dissemination is the mass media some major findings include:- lack of capital for adoption of new practices, lack of social infrastructures such electricity, pipe borne water scheme, inappropriate extension teaching methods among others. The activities of the extension, agents in the area are at it's embryonic stage, as the agricultural productivity of the farmers has not been improved. Based on the findings of study, the provision of the deficient incentives such as provision of credit facilities, social infra-structures and on the-job training of the extension agents will help to improve the activities of the extension service in the area.