ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES UTILIZATION AMONG COCOA FARMERS IN IKOM AGRICULTURAL ZONE, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The study assessed the utilization of agricultural extension services among cocoa farmers in the Ikom Agricultural Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers, identified available extension services, evaluated farmers’ perceptions, and determined the constraints affecting their utilization. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the majority of cocoa farmers (44%) were within the age range of 41–50 years, predominantly male (88%), and married (70%), with a high proportion (87%) having some level of formal education. Most respondents (65%) cultivated between 1–5 hectares of farmland, while 81% belonged to cooperative societies, which enhanced information sharing and access to extension services. The major extension services utilized included the provision of improved planting materials, pest and disease management support, training on modern production techniques, and climate-smart agricultural practices, all of which were perceived to significantly improve productivity. Farmers strongly agreed that extension services enhanced their knowledge of modern production methods (mean = 3.5) and contributed to increased yields (mean = 3.3). However, key constraints identified included political and institutional instability, inadequate funding, low literacy levels, high service costs, and a shortage of extension agents. The study concludes that agricultural extension services play a critical role in improving cocoa production, but their effectiveness depends on addressing these challenges.