AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

EVALUATION OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNICATION MEDIA FOR AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION DISSEMINATION IN SOUTHERN ZONE OF AKWA IBOM STATE – NIGERIA

Author:  Kesit K. Nkeme and Christiana I. Nya

Abstract
The study was conducted to assess the indigenous communication media for disseminationof agriculturalinformation amongarable crop farmers in the southern zone of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents from 75% of the districts that make up the study area. Frequency counts, mean, percentages, Z-test and Likert rating scale were the tools of analysis. Logit regression model was also used to determine significant relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of respondents and their perceived effectiveness of indigenous communication media for agricultural information dissemination. The results revealed that majority (51.7%) of the respondents were female and were married with a mean household size of 7 persons. Forty-five percent of the respondents had primary education. Most of the respondents were experienced with a mean of 14years.The result revealed that the commonly used indigenous communication media was village debate (44%) and was (71%) highly accessible and preferred. Majority (62.2%) of the respondents perceived that indigenous media were effective in disseminating agricultural information. The results showed that most (33.3%) of them likened their choices to ease usage and understanding. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made; that extension agents of Akwa Ibom State Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP) should incorporate indigenous media into agricultural extension innovation packages. More adult educational institutions should be established in the study areas.