Government Policy and Agricultural Extension Services in Kebbi State

This study evaluates government policy frameworks and the delivery of agricultural extension services in Kebbi State, a predominantly agrarian economy in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. Agricultural extension is a critical public service that links smallholder farmers to improved inputs, technologies, and markets, yet extension service delivery in Kebbi State has been largely ineffective due to resource constraints and administrative weaknesses. A professional survey design is employed, with data collected from 165 agricultural development programme (ADP) staff, smallholder farmers, and state ministry officials across four local government areas. Data are analysed using multiple regression and descriptive statistics. The Farming Systems Research (FSR) and Extension Framework provides the theoretical foundation, emphasising the need for context-sensitive, farmer-participatory extension approaches. Findings indicate that the ADP extension agent-to-farmer ratio far exceeds the internationally recommended 1:500 standard, severely limiting advisory service reach. Extension agents lack updated knowledge in climate-adaptive farming techniques and digital agriculture tools relevant to the state's rice, sorghum, and fish farming sectors. The study recommends a multi-stakeholder extension model incorporating non-governmental agricultural organisations, rural agro-dealers, and digital advisory platforms to supplement ADP capacity. Restructuring of the extension agent training and supervision system, alongside performance-based remuneration tied to farmer outcome metrics, is also recommended. Keywords: agricultural extension, government policy, Kebbi State, smallholder farmers, farming systems.