FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PERCEPTIONS OF SMALL-HOLDER RICE FARMERS ON THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF RICE IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

The study analyzed the factors influencing the perceptions of small-holder rice farmers on the role of agricultural extension service on the productivity of rice in Bauchi state, Nigeria. A Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 298 respondents. The study relied mainly on primary data which was achieved via a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were employed to achieve the stated objectives. Results on the socio-economic and institutional characteristics revealed that the rice farmers were in their active age with a mean age of 42 years and the majority (82.6%) were married. In addition, results on perceptions of rice small-holders of the roles of agricultural extension services on rice productivity, the majority of the respondents strongly agreed on the role of disseminating information to farmers on recommended agricultural practices, with a mean score of 1.43. Other roles acknowledged by the respondents included conducting farmer training (2.13) and organizing and encouraging farmers to form cooperatives/groups (2.11). Furthermore, factors influencing the perceptions of rice small-holder farmers of the role of Agricultural Extension service on rice productivity show that age (P<0.10), level of education (P<0.05), type of extension contact (P<0.01), and membership of cooperatives (P<0.01) influence the perceptions of rice small-holder farmers of the role of Agricultural Extension service on rice productivity in the study area. Based on this study, it was concluded that most rice farmers positively perceived agricultural extension services' role in enhancing rice productivity. it is recommended that both public and private extension agencies organize regular workshops, field demonstrations, and other training programs. This approach aims to sustain and improve farmers' understanding of the services designed to boost their knowledge and skills, ultimately leading to enhanced farm productivity.