Mapping of Agricultural Information Flows for Yam Minisett Technology in Delta State, Nigeria

Subject Areas : Agricultural Extension

Agbamu Joseph ¹ ( Professor of Agricultural Economics and Extension Department, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Nigeria )
Ozor Augustine ² ( Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics and Extension Department, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Nigeria )
Ajieh Chuks ³ ( Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics and Extension Department, Delta State University, Asaba Campus, Asaba, Nigeria )

Received: 2016-03-26 Accepted : 2016-07-22 Published : 2015-09-01

Keywords: Information Flow, Agricultural Information, KEYWORDS: Mapping, Mnisett technology,

Abstract :

ABSTRACTThis study examined information flow on minisett technology among yam farmers in Delta State, Nigeria. A sample size of 180 respondents was involved in the study. Data were obtained from respondents of the study through the use of a validated interview schedule. Percentage, frequency count and mean scores were used to summarize data, while line diagrams were used to develop maps of information flows. Results of the study reveal that the chain type of information flow was associated with the Delta North agricultural Zone, while Delta Central and Delta South Agricultural Zones were associated with community based and multiple contact types of information flows respectively. Federal and State government establishments, youth clubs, mass media, socio- cultural groups, farmers’ cooperatives, religious bodies, community development committees and non-governmental organizations were useful in driving information flows on yam minisett technology. The study also revealed that only few farmers used agricultural extension officers as source of information in Delta State. The major sources of information on yam minisett technology include radio (M=2.51); relatives (M=1.83); neighbours (M=1.61); contact and fellow farmers (M=1.47) and television (M=1.26). Based on these findings, The study recommends that multi-media approach should be adopted in the dissemination of information on yam based technologies. Also, farm radio and television broadcasts should be extensively used to air agricultural information to farmers on regular basis.

References:

زز

1)    Agbamu, J. U. (2006). Essentials of Agricultural Communication in Nigeria, Lagos: Malthouse Press Limited, pp. 104-105.

2)    Delta State Dairy. (2014). Delta State Government Dairy, Asaba: Delta State Government Press.

3)    Ekumankama, O. O and Nwankwo, G. (2002). Radio Farm Broadcasts: A Study of Adoption of Agricultural Innovations in Umuahia Zone, Abia State. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 6: 17-24.

4)    Lawrence, A. C. (1997). Mapping Information Flows. Newsletter of Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture, 13(1):22-23 Leusden, Netherlands.

5)    National Population Commission. (2006). Nigeria’s Population from 2006 Census Results, Abuja: National Population Commission.

6)    Ofuoku, A.U and Ajieh, P.C. (2005). Sources of Information on Animal Health Management among Poultry Farmers in Delta State. Proceedings of 10^th Annual National Conference of Animal Science Association of Nigeria, Held at University of Ado-Ekiti, September 12^th – 15^th, pp. 322-324.

7)    Oguntade, A. E., Olaniran, T. A. and Ige, T (2010). Economics of Seed Yam Production using Minisett Technique in Oyo State, Nigeria. Field Actions Science Reports, 4:1-5.