Impact of Local Government Agricultural Extension Services on Smallholder Farmers in Kebbi State

This study assesses the impact of agricultural extension services provided by local government authorities on the productivity of smallholder farmers in Argungu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, located in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. Agriculture remains the primary livelihood for the majority of rural households in Kebbi State, yet access to modern farming techniques, improved seedlings, and market information is still limited due to inadequate extension service delivery at the grassroots level. A survey research design is adopted, with data gathered from 180 smallholder farmers and 20 local government agricultural extension workers through structured questionnaires and structured interviews. The Agricultural Knowledge and Information Systems Framework and the Diffusion of Innovations Theory guide the study's theoretical exposition. Secondary data is obtained from the Kebbi State Agricultural Development Programme and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis are used to evaluate the relationship between frequency of extension contacts and farm output levels. Findings are expected to indicate a positive correlation between consistent extension service delivery and improved crop yields among beneficiary farmers. The study recommends increased funding for local government agricultural departments, recruitment of qualified extension agents, and adoption of digital extension platforms to widen service coverage in rural Kebbi State. Keywords: Agricultural extension, smallholder farmers, local government, Kebbi State, rural productivity.