Assessment of Farmers Attitude on Payment of Agricultural Extension Services in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine the attitude of farmers towards payment for agricultural extension services in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State. The study was specifically carried out to examine the socio-economic characteristics of farmers in Otukpo Local Government Area, assess farmers’ level of awareness of paid agricultural extension services in Otukpo Local Government Area, determine the attitude of farmers towards payment for agricultural extension services, assess the perceived benefits of paid agricultural extension services among farmers, and identify the factors influencing farmers’ willingness to pay for agricultural extension services in Otukpo Local Government Area. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised 2,230 farmers in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State. A sample size of 339 farmers was determined using Taro Yamane formula, while a validated sample of 324 respondents was used for the study. The multi-stage sampling technique, combining stratified and convenience sampling, was adopted. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency counts, means, and standard deviations, while hypotheses were tested using simple linear regression. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that the socio-economic characteristics of farmers significantly influence their willingness to pay for agricultural extension services at β = 0.52, R² = 0.38, P = 0.000. Farmers’ level of awareness of paid agricultural extension services significantly affects their willingness to pay at β = 0.48, R² = 0.34, P = 0.000. Farmers attitude towards payment of extension services significantly influence their willingness to pay @ β = 0.50 and R2 = 0.37 and P = 0.000 while perception of benefits of paid extension services also significantly affect willingness to pay @ β = 0.49 and R2 = 0.35 and P = 0.000. The researcher, therefore, recommends that government and agricultural extension agencies should carry out awareness campaigns, improve the quality of services, ensure affordability and demonstrate benefits clearly to improve farmers' willingness to pay for agricultural extension services in Otukpo Local Government Area.