Issues for Agricultural Extension Policy: Structures and Institutional Arrangement

Abstract

This paper examined issues pertaining to structures and institutionalarrangement for agricultural extension policy. It highlighted the broadobjectives of the new policy thrust in agriculture in Nigeria, and identifiedsub-policies that were expected to facilitate growth of the agriculturalsector of the economy. Agricultural extension, among others, wasidentified as an integral part of the agricultural policy. Transfer ofagricultural information and innovations was highlighted as the primeresponsibility of agricultural extension. It was observed that extension hasnot lived up to this responsibility due to a number of reasons, principalamong which is inadequate funding among others. The AgriculturalDevelopment Programmed (ADP) was identified as the institutionalagency responsible for the transfer of agricultural information andinnovations to farmers. The ADP was observed to operate the UnifiedAgricultural Extension System (UAES) using the Training and Visit (T&V)extension system. In order to ensure effectiveness in the discharge of itsmandate to its clientele, the extension agency needed to maintainworking linkages with research organsations/institutions. About 15national agricultural research institutes, which are mainly concerned withtechnology (innovation/ knowledge) creation/development, wereidentified. Also three universities of agricultures as well as faculties of theconventional universities in the country were identified. The need tosecure a stable and sustained source of financing agricultural extensionwas identified as the most difficult and challenging policy issue facing theagricultural extension services in Nigeria today. It was recommended thata legal legislative action be put in place, which would, among otherthings, define the responsibilities of the various tiers of governmenttowards financing agricultural extension services in Nigeria. It was alsorecommended that a demand-driven (private) extension service beinstitutionalized to thrive along with the UAES, which has often been seenas part of the social services rendered by government for the farmingpopulace.