UTILIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION BY SOYBEAN FARMERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The findings revealed that, at various stages of the farming season, soybean farmers utilized agricultural information on how to harvest soybean (mean = 4.30 and standard deviation [SD] = .640), closely followed by on seed treatment before planting (mean = 4.20 and SD =.600) and on how to control pests and diseases (mean = 4.20 and SD = .775). The study further showed that soybean farmers utilize more agricultural information at the beginning of the farming season,  particularly, at the preparation stage (mean = 4.60 and SD =.490) and closely followed by time of harvest (mean = 4.40 and SD =.918). The study also revealed that soybean farmers in Niger State, generally utilized agricultural information (mean = 3.61 and SD = .75) to some extent. However, certain information on how to clean and store soybean to meet standard market requirements (mean = 4.10 and SD = .701); on effective market for soybean (mean = 4.00 and SD = .63) and on pest and disease control (mean = 4.00 and SD = .634) were utilized to a great extent. The study, therefore, recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture at the State and Local Government Area (LGA) levels should adopt strategies that will allow for all inclusive information dissemination to farmers at all stages of soybean farming. Such measures will strengthen the current level of utilization in the study area.