The role of agricultural extension workers in promoting agricultural resources conservation through organic farming and capacity building in Cross River State

Abstract

In recent years organic farming has become a topical and highly emotive issue in global agricultural development debate. The growing attention on organic agriculture is. predicated on the widespread use and misuse of agricultural chemicals that have evidently, continued to generate severe health and environmental consequences. This study ascertains specifically, the perceived dangers of maintaining agrochemical-based farming practices; the benefits of organic farming to the farmers and to the environment; strategies for building farmers’ capacities to better manage agricultural resources in the rural communities and the role of extension workers in building farmers’ capacities to adopt organic farming conserve agricultural resources. The study covered some selected Agricultural Extension Blocks in Cross River State – Nigeria, namely, Obudu, Ogoja, Yala, Ikom, Abi, Yakurr, Akamkpa, Odunkpani and Akpabuyo. The population for the study comprised all the rural farmers in the selected, and 1,385 farmers were purposively selected as respondents for the study. Data were obtained through the use of questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussion. Data obtained were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean ratings and ranking. The results of analysis revealed that agrochemicals have severe health and environmental implications, organic farming is profoundly beneficial, both to the farmers and the environment and extension workers play significant role in enhancing farmers’ capacity to conserve agricultural resources, as well as adoption of organic farming. The study recommended among others the strengthening of rural extension services to train and promotes farmers adoption of organic agriculture.