Evaluation of Fisheries Extension Service Delivery in Kano State

This study evaluated the quality, reach, and effectiveness of fisheries extension service delivery in Kano State, North West Nigeria, with the aim of identifying service gaps and recommending improvements. Extension services are critical intermediaries between fisheries research institutions and practising fish farmers, yet their effectiveness in northern Nigerian states has received limited scholarly attention. The study surveyed 110 fish farmers and 18 fisheries extension officers across five local government areas using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Variables assessed included frequency of extension contacts, methods of information dissemination, relevance of advisory content, adoption rates of recommended practices, and farmer satisfaction. Results revealed that only 32 percent of fish farmers had received an extension visit within the preceding 12 months, far below the recommended minimum contact ratio. Group meetings and demonstration farms were the most frequently used extension delivery channels, though attendance was often constrained by scheduling conflicts and distance. Content assessment showed that water quality management and disease identification were among the most requested but least covered topics. Adoption of recommended practices was significantly higher among farmers with regular extension contact, confirming the value-addition of the service. Extension officers reported inadequate transport, outdated training, and insufficient supervisory support as key constraints. The study recommends a reform of extension delivery architecture to incorporate digital advisory platforms, farmer field school methodologies, and performance-based extension officer evaluation in Kano State. Keywords: fisheries extension, advisory services, Kano State, technology adoption, fish farmers