TRAINING NEEDS OF FARMERS FOR MAIZE CULTIVATION IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the training needs of maize farmers in Niger State, Nigeria, aiming to assist agricultural extension agencies in developing tailored training programmes. A total of 240 respondents were proportionately and randomly selected from three Local Government Areas in the State. Data were collected using a validated interview schedule with a reliability coefficient of 0.81 and analyzed through descriptive statistics and Poisson regression. The findings revealed that the average age of the farmers was 38 years, with 73.3% having formal education and an average farm size, household size and farming experience of 1.7 hectare, 4 persons and 10 years, respectively. The primary training needs identified were in planting methods, weed control, pest management, disease control, and fertilizer application. The results also revealed 58.3% preferred training sessions to be conducted quarterly during the rainy seasons (64.2%), held in the villages (57.5%) for short durations. The results of regression analysis revealed that, educational level (P<0.05), farming experience (P<0.05), farm size (P<0.10), cooperative membership (P<0.05), and income (P<0.10) significantly influenced the training needs of the maize farmers in the study area. The study concluded that level of education, farming experience, farm size and membership of cooperative societies were the significant factors influencing the training needs of the maize farmers in the study area. The study recommends the importance of considering time preferred by the farmers and locations when planning training programmes. Priority should be given to methods of planting, weed control, pest management, disease control, and fertilizer application in training sessions.