IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION PRACTICES ON THE NIGERIAN POULTRY FARMERS’ STANDARD OF LIVING: A PERCEPTIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of agricultural extension practices on the standard of living of poultry farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. Specifically, it identified the practices extended to poultry farmers by the extension outfit in the state, adoption of the extended practices and its impact. It also identified the constraints of poultry farmers in the study area. A structured interview schedule was used to obtain information from one hundred and twenty (120) poultry farmers who were selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique from Remo division of the State. The results show that farmers adopted most of the practices and there was a considerable improvement in the living standard of the poultry farmers. Majority of the farmers had positive perception of the impact of the adopted poultry practices on increased income, improved household food security and nutrition and acquisition of more poultry equipment.  Major constraints militating against poultry business as indicated by farmers include unavailability of loans for poultry farm, problem of manure disposal, pilfering, transportation, lack of quality feed ingredients and unavailability of local drugs and vaccines. There was a significant association between adoption of improved practices and the impact on standard of living of farmers (P<0.05). Farm size and knowledge of improved practices score were also significantly and positively related to the adoption of improved practices.