Impact of Cost-Sharing in Agricultural Extension Service Delivery on Farm Productivity and Income among Farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria

The study examined the impact of cost-sharing in agricultural extension service delivery on farm productivity and income among farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined cost-sharing arrangements and farmers’ financial contributions, assessed the relationship between cost-sharing and farm productivity, determined its effect on farmers’ income, and identified constraints associated with participation in cost-sharing arrangements. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 302 farmers from eight villages in Ibaji and Dekina Local Government Areas. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and a five-point Likert scale. The results indicated that 62.0% of the respondents participated in cost-sharing arrangements, with cash payments accounting for 48.7% of contributions. Participating farmers recorded a mean farm productivity of 2,180 kg/ha, compared with 1,790 kg/ha among non-participants. Cost-sharing participation had a positive and statistically significant association with farm productivity ((B = 310.50), (p = 0.009)). Similarly, participating farmers recorded a mean annual net farm income of ₦1,245,000, compared with ₦985,000 among non-participants, while the regression coefficient for cost-sharing participation was positive and significant ((B = ₦178,500), (p = 0.018)). Inability to afford financial contributions was the leading constraint (mean = 4.32), followed by high agricultural input costs (mean = 4.18). The study concluded that cost-sharing participation have supported improved farm productivity and income, although affordability and service-delivery challenges required attention. Flexible contributions, reliable extension services and transparent financial management were recommended.