Adult Education and Health Behaviour Change Among Rural Farmers in Kebbi State

This study explored the relationship between adult education participation and health behaviour change among rural farmers in Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. Poor health literacy among farming communities contributes significantly to preventable disease burdens and low agricultural productivity. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and engaged 170 adult farmers drawn from agricultural extension programme sites in three local government areas. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, observational checklists, and key informant interviews. Findings indicated that farmers who had participated in health-integrated adult education programmes demonstrated improved knowledge and adoption of preventive health practices including hand washing, use of oral rehydration solutions, malaria prevention measures, and safe food handling. Educational sessions that combined practical demonstrations with participatory discussions produced more durable behaviour changes than lecture-based delivery modes. Gender differences were observed, with women showing stronger adoption of hygiene-related practices while men were more responsive to agricultural health and safety information. Financial constraints limited some participants' ability to act on health knowledge, particularly in accessing medical facilities. The study recommends that adult education providers develop integrated health and agricultural literacy curricula, establish farmer health clubs within communities, and coordinate with primary healthcare workers to reinforce messages at the local level. Co-facilitation involving both education and health officers is identified as a best practice for maximising community impact. Keywords: adult education, health behaviour, rural farmers, Kebbi State, health literacy.