Influence of Agricultural Extension Services on Food Production among Rural Farmers in Cross River State

Abstract

This study focused on influence of agricultural extension services on food production among rural households in Cross River State (CRS), Nigeria. Specifically, it determined ways: training and supervision services influence food production among rural farmers, in Cross River State. Two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Survey design was employed. Population comprised 550 respondents (500 farmers and 50 extension agents). Data were gathered using questionnaire. Mean, standard deviation, and t-test were used for the data analysis. Results reveal 15 ways agricultural extension training services improved food production among rural farmers in CRS, (X̅ ≥2.50). These include, among others, increased livestock production (X̅g = 3.03) and adoption of early-maturing varieties (X̅g = 3.13). Other results are 12 ways extension supervision improved food production, including; timely adoption of recommended practices (X̅g = 3.29), improved harvesting practices (X̅g = 3.07) and others. There were no significant differences between the mean scores of the farmers and the extension agents at 0.05 level of significances for all the items. Consequently, the two null HOs were accepted at this level. Five recommendations were made based on the findings.