ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION STRATEGIES IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA by Maryrose Ndidi Agboeze and Matthias U. Agboeze

ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION STRATEGIES IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

 

Maryrose Ndidi Agboeze

Department of Adult Education and Extra-Mural Studies,

University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

 

Matthias U. Agboeze, (Ph.D)

Department of Adult Education and Extra-Mural Studies,

University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

 

Michael O. Ugwueze

Department of Adult Education and Extra-Mural Studies,

University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

 

Vincent N. Agbogo

Department of Adult Education and Extra-Mural Studies,

University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

 

Abstract                              

The purpose of this study was to ascertain how extension education can be used for achieving sustainable agricultural development in South East Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population of the study was 2,512,548 registered members of all farmers association of Nigeria, South East chapter. The sample size of 400obtained using Yaro Yamane statistical formula constituted the respondents of the study. The study was guided by two (2) research questions and one (1) hypothesis. A 20 item questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha technique was used to establish the reliability before administering the instrument to the respondents. Reliability co-efficient of 0.85 was obtained. The data collected were analyzed using mean score for the research questions and t-test for the hypothesis. The findings, among others, were that, conducting regular field observations as the basis of decision making, on-farm experimentations, and carrying out regular in-service training of the rural extension agents can help to achieve sustainable agricultural development in South East Nigeria. The study concluded with some far reaching recommendations as a way forward; one of which was that the government should make provision for recruitment and training of more agricultural extension agents to be able to meet the numerous demands of the rural farmers.

 

Keywords: Sustainable Agricultural Development, Extension Education, Strategies.