Socioeconomic Factors and Challenges Affecting Adoption of Extension Strategies among Rural farmers in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This research examined the socioeconomic factors and challenges affecting the adoption of extension strategies among rural farmers in Calabar South L.G.A. of Cross River State, Nigeria. The study specifically explored the socioeconomic attributes of the respondents and the obstacles they encountered in implementing these strategies. The target population comprised all crop farmers in the region, and a two-stage sampling method was used to select 110 participants. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires, while descriptive statistical tools such as frequency distributions, percentages, means, and rankings were employed for analysis. Results indicated that females constituted the majority (54.5%) of respondents, 42.7% were aged between 31 and 40 years, and 54.5% were married. Additionally, 53.6% had attained secondary education, 49.1% had household sizes ranging from 1 to 5 members, 34.5% had farming experience spanning 1 to 5 years, and 49.1% reported monthly earnings above ₦20,000. The primary challenge identified was limited access to information, with a mean score of x̄=2.38. The study concluded that; although farmers in the study area possess relatively diverse socioeconomic characteristics, including moderate education levels and farming experience, the highlighted constraints do however, limit the effective adoption of innovations essential for improving productivity and livelihoods. The study recommended that government and agricultural stakeholders should improve access to agricultural information through community-based communication hubs, mobile technologies, and regular engagement with farmers to bridge the knowledge gap.