The role of mass media in agricultural development

Description

Abstract

The role of mass media in agricultural development. This study was carried out to assess the Role of Mass Media in the Dissemination of Agricultural Technologies among Farmers in Nigeria. A random sampling technique was used for selecting samples. The total sample size was 108 respondents. Data were collected through well structure questionnaires and the data gotten were analyzed with frequency and simple percentage method. The study showed that the respondents have different degrees of accessibility to radio, television, telephone, Internet, and newspaper/ bulletin. Radio was found to be more accessible (46.3%) and also the major source (60.19%) of agricultural technologies to the farmers. The study further revealed that 90.7% of the respondents affirms that mass media is effective in the dissemination of agricultural technologies while 9.3% saw mass media as not effective. The factors militating against the effective utilization of mass media as a source of agricultural technologies to the farmers in the study area were also identified to be illiteracy, low-income level, lack of credit facilities, and inadequate/ erratic power supply. To enhance the effectiveness of mass media in the dissemination of agricultural technologies for agricultural development in the study area there is a need to strengthen the use of radio and television in information dissemination to farmers, more competent presenters who are knowledgeable in agriculture to handle agricultural programs. Also, such programs should be broadcast in local languages as much as possible and efforts must be taken to guarantee that the airing times are suitable.