ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLES OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES IN IMPROVING THE LIVELIHOOD OF FOOD CROP FARMERS IN KWAYA-KUSAR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the roles of agricultural extension service in improving the livelihood of food crop farmers in Kwaya-Kusar local government Area of Bono State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random procedure was used to select 120 respondents from the study area.  Data collected and administered through the use of structured questionnaires were also analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that many (43.3%) of the respondents were between the ages of 36-40 years. Furthermore, from the findings of multiple regression analysis, age, sex, marital status, annual net income, farm size, household size, educational level and extension per person were significant at P≤0.05 level, respectively, while farming experience and access to credit were significant at P≤0.01 level in that order. It was concluded that male dominated food crop production their by putting the female counterparts at the disadvantage side. The study therefore, recommended that the female respondents should be highly involved or encourage to participate actively in food crop production. Also, on poor government funding toward extension service delivery, government, policy makers and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should help the farmers by providing funds to boost their production capacity.