Agricultural Extension

This study assessed the delivery of gender-responsive agricultural extension services to rural women cassava farmers in Esan West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the socio-economic characteristics of the women farmers, their awareness of and access to extension services, adoption of improved cassava practices, and challenges encountered in farming. A total of 100 rural women cassava farmers were selected using a purposive sampling and stratified sampling technique and data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, supplemented by secondary sources from literature and official reports. Findings revealed that 18.37% of respondents were less than 30 , 77.55% of respondents were within the age range 30-40, 4.08% of respondents were within the age range 40-50 ,with an average household size of 5.07% and average farming experience of (4.14%). While 35.7% were aware of extension services, only 29.59% had regular contact with extension agents. Key constraints identified included limited access to female extension personnel, credit facilities, farm equipment, and digital tools. Socio-economic factors such as age, education, and marital status significantly influenced access to extension services. The study recommends strengthening gender-responsive extension approaches, increasing the recruitment of female extension agents, improving access to credit and digital platforms, and implementing community-based participatory programs to enhance productivity and livelihoods of rural women cassava farmers.

Catfish processing is an important household income activity in many Nigerian communities, providing income, food security, and employment for women and low income households. Despite its growing relevance, the sub sector remains largely informal and under supported, particularly in semi urban areas such as Ikorodu LGA of Lagos State. Hence this study was conducted to assess how extension services influence income among catfish processors and examined the challenges affecting service delivery and utilisation. The study specifically aimed to: describe the socioeconomic characteristics of catfish processors in Ikorodu LGA; assess the current state of extension service delivery to catfish processors; evaluate the effects of extension services on income;and identify the challenges faced by catfish processors in accessing and utilising extension services. A two stage sampling technique was used to select 120 catfish processors from five communities in Ikorodu LGA. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and means) were used to address Objectives 1–4, whilemultiple regression analysis examined the hypothesis regarding the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and the effects of extension services on income. A 5 point Likert scale rating was used to interpret respondents’ ratings of service delivery, benefits, and challenges. Findings showed that both males and females were involved in catfish processing women, with varying levels of education, income, and years of experience. The assessment of extension service delivery produced mean scores slightly above 3.0, indicating moderate but inconsistent access to services. The perceived benefits of extension services on income were positive but not strongly pronounced. Major challenges identified included irregular visits from extension agents (mean = 3.59), long distance to service centres (mean = 3.64), and limited follow up support (mean = 3.66). Regression analysis revealed education level (t = 2.824; p = 0.005)., a significant relationship on the benefits derived from extension services. It was concluded that extension services contribute to improved knowledge and practices among catfish processors. The study recommends Extension
training programmes should be design considering farmers level of education.