INFORMATION NEEDS OF COCONUT FARMERS IN BADAGRY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study focused on information needs of coconut farmers in Lagos State, Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents for the study. Data were collected on the respondents’ personal characteristics, sources of information available to the respondents, respondents’ level of awareness of improved coconut production technologies, perceived effect of lack of information on coconut production and information needs of the respondents using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Results showed that the mean age of the respondents was 45years, 68.3% were male, 75.8% were married, 60% were Yoruba, while mean years of formal education was 9. The most utilized sources of information among the respondents were contact/fellow farmers =3.68. On the level of awareness of the respondents on coconut production technologies, majority of the respondents were fully aware of transplanting of seedlings =2.74. Perceived major effect of lack of information on coconut production was non-awareness of processing methods =3.91. The major information need of the respondents was on improved nursery practices =2.78. Correlation analysis showed there was significant relationship (r=0.36; p=0.00) between respondents’ level of awareness of coconut production technologies and their information needs. The study concluded that among the information needs of the farmers, the major information need was on improved nursery practices. It is therefore recommended that extension agents intensify efforts in liaison with research institutes for information on improved nursery practices to meet farmers need in coconut production.