EFFECTS OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES ON MILLET PRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONE OF YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study assessed the effects of access to agricultural extension services on millet production in the southern agro-ecological zone of Yobe State. A total of one hundred eighty (180) participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure. The researchers collected data on socioeconomic characteristics, access to extension, and millet yields. The data was analysed using mean values, frequency counts, percentages, and the Heckman (two-step) selection regression model. The results revealed that millet farmers were within the productive age category ( = 45.0). The cultivation of millet was primarily led by male farmers (75.6%), who possessed a significant amount of farm experience. Access to extension was low. The average millet yield was below the regional average. Age, education, marital status, farming experience, household size, income, credits, cooperative membership, and farm size had a significant influence on access to agricultural extension services. Agricultural extension services had significant effects on millet production in the study area. The study recommended that the Yobe State Agricultural Development Programme (YOSADP) develop a special extension programme with a focus on millet production techniques for the agro-ecological region of Southern Yobe State.