AKSU Journal of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING FARMERS PARTICIPATION LEVEL IN COMMUNITY-BASED EXTENSION ORGANIZATION IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Author:  Okwuokenye, G. F., Nwandu, I. P. and Ogbonna, S.I.

Abstract
The study investigated the socio-economic factors influencing farmers' participation level in community- based extension organizations in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Four hundred and thirty-seven (437) Community Based Extension Organizations (CBEOs) participants and non-participants were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data for the study were analysed using descriptive (frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics. The results showed that both categories of respondents had crop farming as their primary occupation with the participants into full-time farming while the non-participants were into part-time farming. The mean farm size of participants and non-participants was 3 and 2 ha. respectively. Roles like provision of credit/loans, building capacity through training of farmers, were carried out by the various groups and a high level of participation in the CBEOs was observed among CBEOs group members. A difference (N119,908.467) in average annual income was observed between the CBEOs members and non-members and this was in favour of farmer participants of CBEOs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that significant variables to farmers level of participation in the CBEOs include: farming status, farm size, farming experience and farmers' income level. The study recommended that there is need for the leaders of the various CBEOs and others saddled with the responsibilities of training farmers in the groups to train the farmers more in other to develop capacity on farming skills and the need to adopt innovations, other modern farm practices and participate actively in CBEOs.