Communication and Social Change: Lessons from Cassava Technology Transfer in Nigeria

Authors

  • M K Yahaya Department of Agricultural Extension & Rural Development University of Ibadan
  • B Aina Department of Agricultural Extension & Rural Development University of Ibadan

Keywords:

Cassava, Communication, effective channels andmedia.

Abstract

Extensionis sine qua non with communication. The advancementofagriculture dependson effective extension delivery. An appraisal of the system justifies the need to exploitthe current demandfor Cassava world wide. Presently, there are over 200possible usesof cassava worldwide. Forinstance current improvement of already existingprocessingmethods has resulted in the utilization of cassava flour in making confectionaries andgelatin and the use of other derivatives such as ethanol as energy source. The mainthrust of this research is the examination of the current state ofinformation exchange inthe agricultural system in terms effectiveness of channels usedin dissemination andutilization ofcassava technologies in Nigeria. The studylookedinto the frequency ofuseof these channels. Data was obtained from a sample of 100 cassava farmers in OyoState Agricultural Development Project Zones under the special coverage of the IITA.Findings revealed that majority of cassava farmers (83.0%) are male; almost all aremarried (94.0%) and are above 35 years old (88.0%). Most of the respondents havesome level of education (65.0%) and above 10 years farming experience (91.0%). Thehighest ranked interpersonal channel is extension agent, radio the most valuedelectronic medium, posters/handbills the commonest print while drama the mostpreferred traditional media. In spite of the on-going cassava revolution in Nigeria, highlevel of awareness of associated technologies notwithstanding, lower level of use of cassava technologies stillpredominates. Cassava farmers least depends on print andtraditionallymediatedinformation channels. Also, there are evidences oflimited accessto new communication technologies andinfrastructure, poverty, poor timing, mediators'interference and low literacy are serious bottlenecks in the use of communicationchannels. Hence, the need for the utilization ofmodern communication strategies sincemajority ofrespondents have access to allchannelsbut useinterpersonalsources moreoften andradiois themost frequentlyusedmassmedia.

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Published

2007-12-01

How to Cite

Yahaya, M. K., & Aina, B. (2007). Communication and Social Change: Lessons from Cassava Technology Transfer in Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 10. Retrieved from https://journal.aesonnigeria.org/index.php/jae/article/view/327

Issue

Section

General Extension and Teaching Methods