Access and Usefulness of Agricultural Information among Poultry Farmers

Subject Areas : Agricultural Extension

Sunday  Obazi ¹ (Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria)
Mabel  Dimelu ² (Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria)
Michael  Chukwueze ³ (Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria)

Received: 2022-02-22 Accepted : 2022-06-25 Published : 2022-06-01

Keywords: poultry, Information, Access, Use,

Abstract :

This study ascertained access and usefulness of agricultural information among poultry farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. A total of Ninety poultry farmers were selected using multistage sampling technique and data were collected through a structured interview schedule. Findings revealed that both male and female poultry farmers got information on poultry production from multiple sources. Internet was the most accessible platform for sourcing information on poultry production by farmers. Results also revealed that the outbreak of disease and prevention, management of vaccine failure and poultry feed were the most frequently sourced information. Furthermore, results indicated that male poultry farmers considered information from veterinary personnel (M = 4.2) as most useful, while female poultry farmers rated information from internet (M = 5.0) most useful than others. Some of the major constraints to access and usefulness of agricultural information by male poultry farmers were poor internet access (M = 0.813) and poor access/irregular extension visit (M = 0.812) while cost of acquiring communication facilities (M = 0.800), lack of awareness (M = 0.779) and inadequate fund (M = 0.594) were major constraints to access and usefulness of information by female poultry farmers. Thus, government, policy makers, NGOs and related organizations should train many extension agents to dissemination agricultural information since multiple sources of information can lead to contradiction, confusion and information distortion. Also, government should ensure that internet network is made available to farmers in different communities to enable them have access to information using internet services.

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