ROLES OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION WORKERS IN DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL PIG FARMING IN DELTA NORTH AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the roles of agricultural extension workers in the development of rural pig farming in Delta north agricultural zone of Delta State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to collect data from 80 respondents using questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using frequency, percentage and mean. The result revealed that male (93.7%) dominated pig farming in the study area. One-half of the respondents (50%) had 11 – 20 years pig farming experience. Extension workers assisted farmers to secure loan (=3.36), demostrate suitable practices (=3.25), provide educational assistance on the farm and home (=3.18), persuade farmers to belief and act on new teaching (=3.16). Again, Agricultural extension were favorable in target group methods (=3.41), individual/ household method (=3.21). The study concluded that agricultural extension workers had performed their roles creditably well in teaching and demonstrating innovations to farmers as well as how to use new technologies in development of pig farming. It was observed that many of the pig farmers and some agricultural extension workers have no agricultural education background. Its recommended agricultural extension workers ability to provide teaching to farmers in development of more pig farms in Delta north should be enhanced.