Analysis of Relevance of Agricultural Extension Services on Crop Production in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State,Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the relevance of agricultural extension services on crop production in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara state. Nigeria. Data were collected by using structured interview schedule admistered on, 112 farmers' sampled for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages were used for the analysis and T test was used to test the stated hypothesis. Results show that (77.7%) of the respondents were between the age category of 31-50years, while 74.1% were male, 58.9% had no formal education while 40.2% had low level of education. Almost all the respondents were visited by village extension agents while 61.6% of the respondent cultivated farm size of between 1 to 5 hectares, and 73.2% cultivated maize, 70.5% cultivated yam, 67.9% cassava. Respondents indicated relevance of agricultural practices introduced by extension agents. Findings also show that there was no significant difference in land use before and after extension services, but there was significant different in crops yield. There is need for motivation of extension agent through adequate provision of field operation facilities in order to encourage their commitment and dedication to duty.