INFORMATION NEEDS AND SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AGENTS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined information needs and seeking behaviour of agricultural extension agents in Lagos State. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 51 Agricultural extension agents for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation and chi-square test.  Results showed that70.6% of the respondents were male, 88.2% were married, 56.7% were Christians, 92.2% were Yoruba. The mean years of formal education among the respondents was 17. They had an average of 5 persons per household. The most accessible sources of information were internet and universities with mean of (= 2.31) and (=2.15), respectively. Also, the major information needs of the respondents were livestock production management (=1.88) and community health development (= 1.88). Information seeking behaviour of the respondents were mainly on keeping abreast with recent developments (=2.33) and for academic purpose (=2.05). Chi-square analysis showed that there was significant (r=0.001; p<0.05) relationship between marital status and information seeking behaviour of the respondents. The findings also revealed that difficulty in accessing foreign journal (=1.86) and materials being written in foreign languages (=1.26) were the major constraints faced by the respondents. The study concluded that respondents seek information to stay updated with recent developments, with significant needs in livestock production and management. It is recommended that targeted efforts be made to provide accessible, relevant, and up-to-date information resources, particularly in the areas of need.