Perceived relevance of Farmer Field School Training (FFST) on cowpea production among small scale farmers in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the perceived relevance of FFST on cowpea production among small scale farmers in Kebbi state, Nigeria. To this end, one hundred and forty-four (144) small scale cowpea farmers were randomly selected for the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentage counts, ranking and mean. The results revealed that majority (77.8%) of the farmers were married, more so. most of the farmers aged between 31-40 years with a mean age of 41 years. About 34.9% of the farmers had house hold size of 6-10 people with mean of 12, while 47.2% had farming experience of 11-15 years. Also, about 47.2% of the farmers had no formal education. All (100%) of the farmers had access to extension service. The farmers perceived relevance of FFST on their cowpea production practices include land preparation (X̅w=3.59), recommended spacing (X̅w= 3.50), time of planting and method of pests and diseases control (X̅w=3.39), method of planting (X̅w= 3.28), chemical weeds control (X̅w= 3.25), identification of improved varieties (X̅w=3.23), grain treatment (X̅w= 3.08), harvesting and processing techniques (X̅w=2.94), modern storage method (X̅w= 2.08), selection of viable seeds, choice and method of fertilizer application (X̅w= 2.78). However, age (r = -0.218), household size (r=0.185), educational level (r = 0.216), farming experience (r = 0.040) and marital status (r = 0.209) had significant relationship with FFST received. Farmers perceived constraints include improper training time schedule (X̅w= 2.92), farmers conservative attitude (X̅w= 2.81), high level of illiteracy among the farmers (X̅w= 2.90), inadequate training infrastructure (X̅w= 2.81) and bad rural access roads (X̅w= 3.24). The study recommended that, rural access roads should receive necessary government attention. Training for the farmers should be planned with them and they should be sensitized and encouraged to acquire adult education.