Analysis of Sources of Agricultural Information and its Effect on Plantain Yield among Farmers in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the sources and types of agricultural information available to plantain farmers, analysed agricultural information sources and estimated its effect on plantain yield in Osun State. Multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 180 plantain farmers. Primary data were collected using well-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency tables, means and percentages and regression analysis. The results of the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents showed that majority (90%) of the respondents were married with a mean value of 6 household members. Most (83%) of the respondents were small landholders, having less than 3 hectares with a mean value of 17 years of plantain farming experience and a mean yield value of 4.89tons/ha. The result of information sources revealed that family members were the source of information farmers frequently used while radio was the most beneficial source of information. The result further showed that respondents received information mostly on farming practices and result of regression analysis confirmed that agricultural information sources had positive effects on yield at p<0.05 level of significance. Hence, there will be considerable increase in yield if agricultural information sources are increased above the present levels of use.