The influence of extension contact and education on maize production in Niger State, Nigeria. In: Aihonsu, J., Olubanjo. O. O., Akinleye, S. O. and Okuneye, P. A. (eds.) Infrastructure and water management in Nigeria’s agricultural and rural development systems.

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of extension contact and education on the output of maize farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. Primary data was collected from 160 farmers selected using multi-stage random sampling technique during the 2006 cropping season and analyzed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis. The OLS result reveal that land, labour, education and extension contact are the significant factors that accounted for observed variation in output. The study recommends that farmers should increase farm sizes so as to maximize output. Effective extension services and adult education programmes should be strengthened in the State.