Influence of Adult Literacy on Agricultural Productivity Among Smallholder Farmers in Niger State

This study investigated the influence of adult literacy on agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers in Niger State, North Central Nigeria. With agriculture serving as the primary livelihood for the majority of the state's rural population, understanding how literacy education translates into improved farming outcomes is of significant policy relevance. The study employed a descriptive survey approach involving 175 smallholder farmers selected from agricultural cooperative societies in three local government areas. Questionnaires, field observation checklists, and agricultural extension officer interviews constituted the data collection framework. Findings indicated that literate farmers demonstrated significantly better adoption rates of improved seed varieties, fertiliser application guidelines, pest management practices, and record-keeping habits compared to non-literate counterparts. Literate farmers were more likely to participate in agricultural cooperative meetings, access extension advisory services, and engage with agricultural radio broadcasts effectively. However, land tenure insecurity and inadequate access to credit remained productivity constraints even among literate farmers, indicating that literacy is a necessary but not sufficient condition for agricultural transformation. The study recommends integrating agri-literacy components into all adult literacy curricula delivered to farming communities, strengthening functional linkages between adult education facilitators and agricultural extension workers, and supporting the formation of literacy-enhanced cooperative learning groups. Strategic investment in rural literacy infrastructure is identified as a prerequisite for achieving sustainable agricultural development in Niger State. Keywords: adult literacy, agricultural productivity, smallholder farmers, Niger State, extension services.