International Journal of Biology and Biological Sciences Vol. 3(3), pp. 031-037, April 2014 ISSN 2327-3062 ©2014 Academe Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Perception of small scale fish farmers on agricultural extension services delivery towards aquaculture development in Oyo State, Nigeria

OLAOYE O. Jacob¹, ASHLEY-DEJO Samuel S²*, ADELAJA Olusunmbo A. B.² and IKILILU Abdulraheem¹

¹Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

²Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Federal University of Agriculture, P.M.B 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: ashleydejosamuel@gmail.com. Tel: 234-803-658-4136.

Accepted 7 February, 2014

Abstract

This study evaluates perception of small scale fish farmers on agricultural extension services delivery towards aquaculture development in Oyo State, Nigeria. Multi stage random sampling techniques were used to select two hundred and twenty two fish farmers in the state. A well-structured interview schedule was randomly administered to 222 fish farmers from 4 Agricultural Extension Zones in Oyo State. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed majority (49.1%) of the respondents were within the age range of 41 – 50 years, almost 50.0% of the respondents sourced extension information from the ADPs, 88.7% were aware of extension service in Oyo State, 73.4% contact extension agent fortnightly. Chi square analyses showed that there was no significant association between nature of extension service available and sex (χ² = 66.82, p > 0.05), but there was a significant association between nature of extension service available and age (χ² = 48.67, p < 0.05), marital status (χ² = 29.70, p < 0.05) and educational level (χ² = 20.25, p < 0.05). It was concluded that extension agencies should be well funded to enable effective communication and dissemination of improved innovations.

Key words: Fish farmers’ perception, agricultural extension services, information, Oyo State.