PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES OF NIGERIA’S AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE DELIVERY

Abstract

Agricultural extension which should play a critical role of educating farmers on modern farming techniques for improved productivity suffered neglect over the years by successive administrations. The paper reviewed practices and challenges of Nigeria’s agricultural extension service delivery. The data which was collected from secondary sources such as journals, conference proceedings and other related publications were systematically reviewed.  The study found that Nigeria’s extension service is delivered through both public and private systems. Some of the challenges bedeviling Nigeria’s agricultural extension service delivery are inadequate funding, poor coordination between public and private extension service, no deliberate extension policy, bureaucracy, among others. The study concluded a well-developed extension policy backed with good funding roadmap, proper coordination, and adequate, well-trained and motivated workforce is needed for effective extension service delivery.  It is recommended that government should prioritize increased budget allocations for agricultural extension service and develop capacity-building initiatives for extension workers.