Farmers' Communication Network on The Knowledge and Use of Climate-Smart Agriculture for Sustainable Rice Production in Ebonyi State

Objective: The study's objective was to identify the existing communication networks among rice farmers in Ebonyi State and their role in disseminating CSA knowledge and to evaluate the extent to which different communication networks are effectively used to promote CSA adoption for sustainable rice production. Method: The study adopted quantitative research using a survey design. The research employed a multi-stage sampling procedure to sample 380 farmers from a population of 35,660 registered rice farmers in Ebonyi State. The study adopted a questionnaire as the instrument to collect data. The results were presented in tables. Result: The study revealed that Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) knowledge dissemination among the farmers is carried out through different communication networks, which include but are not limited to traditional community leaders (Mean=3.94) and radio programs (Mean=3.61). Mobile phone usage for sharing CSA information shows moderate effectiveness (Mean=3.47), farmer-to-farmer networks, etc. The study also found out that peer-to-peer network was the most effective communication channel (Mean=4.51, p<0.001), followed by radio agricultural programmes (Mean=4.37, p=0.001) and Farmer Field Schools (Mean=4.28, p=0.002). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that network characteristics significantly influenced CSA adoption, with network size (β=0.550), network diversity (β=0.307), and interaction frequency (β=0.210) all showing positive correlations. Demographic analysis revealed significant variations in channel preferences, particularly between younger and older farmers regarding digital platform usage (p<0.001). Traditional communication networks maintained high effectiveness across all demographic groups, while digital platforms and printed materials showed limited impact. The study found that local demonstration sites and traditional community leaders played crucial roles in knowledge dissemination, while government agricultural bulletins showed notably poor reach (Mean=2.43). Conclusion: Agricultural extension services should prioritize strengthening and leveraging farmer-to-farmer networks and local demonstration sites while providing targeted support through traditional community leaders and other effective networks indicated for CSA.