Proclivity to Use Reality Television Shows for Information on Climate-Smart Agriculture among Extension Professionals in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The proclivity to use Reality Television Shows (RTS) for disseminating information on Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) strategies in southwestern Nigeria was studied. One hundred and fifteen extension professionals were sampled using a multistage procedure. Information on extension professionals’ awareness of RTS, possible benefits and constraints, and the proclivity of its use for the dissemination of information on climate-smart agriculture strategies was elicited with a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using frequencies, percentages, means, and PPMC at p = 0.05. Most of the extension professionals (76.5%) had heard of RTS, but only a few (3.4%) knew of any Nigerian television programmes that deployed RTS to promote agriculture. The likely benefits if RTS was high for 58.6% of the respondents, while likely constraints to the use of RTS included an unstable power supply (1.67±1.22), lack of sponsorship (1.60±1.98), and sustainability of the show ((1.49±1.27). Most of the extension professionals (61.7%) had a favorable disposition to use RTS for information on CSA, while likely benefits (r = 0.295) positively linked with their inclination to use reality television shows for information on climate-responsive agriculture. Communication stakeholders and professionals are advised to explore the use of reality television shows in encouraging climate-smart agriculture.