Crop Farmers’ Participation in Research and Extension Programmes in Ogun State, Nigeria

This study assessed crop farmers’ participation in research and extension programmes in Ogun State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from randomly interviewing 160 registered crop farmers, 10 subject matter specialists, and 40 extension workers. The data were analysed using percentages, charts, and an ordered logit model. Results showed that 69.2% of the crop farmers participated mostly in community-based agricultural and rural development programmes. Insufficient funds to conduct research and extension programmes (= 4.96) and brief period allocation for training (= 4.94) were the major factors affecting crop farmers' participation in research and agricultural extension programmes. The major perception of the crop farmers was that research and extension programmes had boosted production capacity (= 2.92). When crop farmers participated in research and extension programmes, the extension agents' main assessment was that the relationships among the farmers had improved (= 2.48). The focus of crop farmers' involvement in research and extension initiatives should be redirected from rural development initiatives to national food programmes.