ABSTRACT

The study investigated the effectiveness of extension agents in disseminating selected improved cassava varieties to rural farmers in Imo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of a sample size of 70 extension agents that were used for the study. The specific objectives of the study were to; describe the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, ascertain the different types of communication channels used in the dissemination of information on improved selected cassava varities, determine the adoption levels of improved selected cassava varities and determine the perceived factors affecting the extension agents effectiveness in the dissemination of improved selected cassava varities in the study area. Structured questionnaire were used in the collection of primary data. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as frequency, percentages, mean, and simple linear regression respectively, results showed a mean age of 26.8yrs, with reasonable proportion (58.6%) of the respondents being males and about 68.6% being married. Results equally showed that 51% of the respondents had between 14 and 18 years of schooling. Results further showed a mean household size of three persons with about 58.6% of the respondents residing outside their cells. Results equally showed that the FNT was moderately effective (x = 2.3), while field day (x = 1.83), demonstration training method (x = 1.80), workshop/conferences (x = 1.77), results demonstration (x = 1.74), Block supervisor visit (x = 1.80) zonal manager visit (x = 1.77) and number of trainees (x = 1.80) respectively were not effective. Results equally showed that the following selected improved cassava varieties: NR 07/0432, NR 07/0506, NR 07/0497, and UMUCASS 46 (TMS 01/70359) had high adoption levels (x = 3.96, x = 1.77, x = 1.90 and x = 1.61) respectively. Results further showed that large extension coverage (x = 3.42), lack of mobility (x = 2.80), irregular payment of salaries/other benefits (x = 3.55) respectively were factors affecting extension agents effectiveness in the study area. The coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.732 indicating 73.20% of the total variation in the dependent variable was accounted for by the explanatory variable. (F-value = 18.63, P<0.05). The hypothesis test showed that there was a significant relationship between effectiveness of extension agents and the adoption level of selected improved cassava varieties, HO1 was therefore rejected and the alternative accepted. The study therefore concluded that the extension agent’s effectiveness in disseminating selected improved cassava varieties in the study area was moderate. The study therefore, recommends that the federal and state governments should fund the ADP’s mostly in the study area as to ensure the effectiveness of the extension agents.