Abstract

Eguoko E. Vincent, Dwarha T. Kenneth and Olu T. M

The study assessed farmers’ use and preference of extension communication channels in Benue State, Nigeria. A sample of 316 farmers was selected through a stratified random sampling technique and interview schedule was used in eliciting information from them. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analyses. Interpersonal communication channels were generally found to be more available, accessible and used by the farmers than the mass media to obtain information on improved farm technologies. Relatives/friends/neighbours constituted the most regularly available, accessible and used interpersonal channels although extension agents and television were mentioned by the farmers as the most preferred interpersonal channel and mass medium, respectively. Chi-square analysis shows that there is significant relationship between frequency of communication channels use by farmers and their educational level, sex, farm size and farming experience. It is recommended that rural radio booster stations and community rural television stations are established to feature special programmes targeted at rural farmers. To ensure regular availability and accessibility of extension agents (the farmers most preferred channel), efforts should be made to employ more extension agents.