Analysis of Agricultural Extension Methods and Farmer Knowledge Uptake in Ogun State

This study analyses the effectiveness of different agricultural extension methods in facilitating knowledge uptake among farmers in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. Extension service delivery uses a range of methods including individual farm visits, group demonstrations, farmer field schools, radio broadcasts, and mobile phone messaging, each with different reach, cost, and knowledge transfer effectiveness characteristics. Understanding which methods generate the highest knowledge uptake in Ogun State's farming communities is important for optimising extension investment. This study uses a survey design, collecting data from 220 farmers who have been exposed to one or more extension methods in Ijebu North, Sagamu, and Yewa South local government areas. Knowledge uptake is assessed using a validated agricultural knowledge test covering soil management, pest control, improved varieties, and post-harvest handling. The relationship between exposure to specific extension methods and knowledge scores is analysed using regression analysis. Findings reveal that farmer field school participants demonstrate the highest knowledge uptake scores, followed by group demonstration attendees. Individual farm visits produce strong but less scalable knowledge gains. Radio extension shows reach advantages but weaker knowledge depth scores. Mobile phone-based extension is most effective for time-sensitive information such as weather alerts and market prices. The study concludes that a blended extension method approach optimises both reach and knowledge depth. It recommends farmer field schools as the core extension delivery model, supplemented by digital channels.

Keywords: extension methods, farmer knowledge, Ogun State, farmer field schools, knowledge uptake.