Impact of agricultural extension services on spinach (Amaranthus spp) production among farmers in Zuru emirate, kebbi state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the impact of agricultural extension services on spinach (Amaranthus caudatus) Farmers in Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure involving purposive technique was used to select 110 respondents from 10 communities involved in spinach production in the Emirate Council. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. About 47.0% of the respondents’ were between the ages of 36-40 years 73.0% were females, 78.0% married and 67.0% were part-time farmers with 5 years mean of farming experience. The majority (77%) of the respondents’ had 1ha of land, 58.0% inherited lands. The mean household size was 7 persons with monthly expenditure of N33, 350.00, 61.0% were aware that spinach enhance digestion and emptying of bowel, while 52.0% agreed that spinach reduces symptoms of menopause in women. Their major extension impact felt by spinach farmers were: source of farm inputs in spinach production (x=3.63); credits facilities in spinach production (x=3.62). The level of effectiveness of extension services provided to farmers were very low. They include: proper management of pests/diseases; health benefits and use of spinach (x=0.41) each. The perceived sufficiency of extension services provided was inadequate due to inadequate extension staff with supply of farm inputs being the highest (x=1.21). The major constraints were shortage in supply of spinach to match demand, increasing price of spinach, and low consumer acceptability of spinach products. The study recommended that adequate extension agents should be provided by Government and the available once should step up increased level of extension services to meet the farmers’ extension needs in spinach production in the emirate.