ABSTRACT

This research work was carried out to determined the contribution of Mass media to the development of extension Services in Owerri zone. The Main objective of this work is to ascertain the ways through which the mass media has contributed to agricultural development. The specific objectives of the work includes; to ascertain the extent to which the mass media is utilized by farmers, to determine extent of coverage by Mass media , to determine the effectiveness of the mass media in disseminating agricultural information to the farmers, to examine problems militating against the use of various media by farmers, and to recommend means of enhancing or improving mass media use in Owerri agricultural zone of Imo State. A cluster sampling method was use to select the respondents (farmers). Two types of data were employed for this study namely; primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected using questionnaires that were administered to the farmers in the twelve selected blocks for the study area. Out of 153 copies distributed, 145 copies were retrieved which represented 95% of the total questionnaires and was used for data analysis. Secondary data was also obtained from Agric. Extension Journals, Newsletters, bulletins and other relevant books on agricultural extension development. Percentage and frequency distribution were used for the data analysis. The study showed that the Mass media have made a great contribution to the enhancement of agricultural extension services in the zone. However, there are some impediments that prevents farmers from receiving new agricultural innovation through Mass media and they include; irregular power supply, inaccessible roads to reach the farmers, cost of procurement for the various media appliances. Based on the findings of this work, it is recommended that; The communication support unit of ADPs, which comprises of the electronic and print media should be well funded and staffed. Government should provide basic infrastructural facilities such as accessible roads, regular power supply so that the farmers can make use of their Mass media appliances in receiving agricultural services. Finally, the rural farmers should be encourage by providing them loan at low interest rate so that they can buy radio and other mass media materials, in order to secure Mass media services.