EFFECTIVENESS OF BLENDED LEARNING IN DISSEMINATING FISH FARMING INFORMATION IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

The effectiveness of blended learning in disseminating fish farming information has garnered significant attention in recent years, given the growing need for sustainable fish farming practices. This study explores the effectiveness of blended learning approaches in disseminating fish farming information in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used in selecting 180 respondents for the study. Primary data were collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical tools employed include; frequency counts, percentages, and weighted mean score (WMS) while Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) was used to test the study hypothesis. The findings revealed that various blended learning tools such as online platforms (WMS=1.98), mobile applications (WMS=1.95), in-person workshops (WMS=1.94) and Social media (WMS=1.93) were mostly utilized for information dissemination as they significantly improved the farmers' understanding of fish farming practices, leading to increased productivity and sustainability. The fish farming information disseminated through blended learning tools include breeding techniques (WMS=2.05), water quality management (WMS=2.02), feeding and nutrition (WMS=1.99) and fish farming basics (WMS=1.97). Also, the effects of utilizing blended learning tools for fish farming information dissemination were enhanced knowledge retention (WMS=1.85), improved access and knowledge dissemination (WMS=1.87), greater flexibility for farmers (WMS=1.85) and increased motivation and engagement (WMS=1.83). The finding further revealed that the benefits of utilizing blended learning tools in disseminating fish farming information include cost-effectiveness (WMS=2.02), access to up-to-date information (WMS=1.99), flexibility and accessibility (WMS=1.98) and improved skill acquisition (WMS=1.96) while the level of effectiveness of blended learning in fish farming information dissemination is high. However, constraints such as digital divide (WMS=1.68), technical skills and issues (WMS=1.65), resource limitations (WMS=1.62) and engagement challenges (WMS=1.58) must be addressed to maximize the overall efficacy of blended learning as an effective medium for fish farming information dissemination. There was a significant relationship between blended learning tools utilized for disseminating fish farming information (r=0.579, p=0.000) and the effectiveness of blended learning in disseminating fish farming information. Conclusively, blended learning is an effective method for disseminating fish farming information, as it combines the flexibility of digital resources with the practical, hands-on experience necessary for fish farming skills