Abstract:

Active participation of farmers in farmer-group activities is central to the sustenance of the groups as well as to the success of the participatory approach to agricultural extension. The study analyzed the level of participation of farmers in group activities in Kwara State, Nigeria. In addition, the study evaluated the effect of selected socio-economic characteristic of the farmers on their level of participation. A two stage random sampling method was employed in selecting 261 farmers in the study area. Primary data were collected through the use of structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, Likert Scale and the OLS regression analysis were the analytical tools used for the study. The results revealed that the farmers in the study area were predominantly male (87.4%), married (92.7%), middle aged and possessed formal education (73.2%). At P<0.10, six variables total annual income (0.140), farm size(0.394), number of extension contact (0.064), membership of farmer groups (1.184), access to credit (2.074) and access to training(1.569) influenced farmers participation in farmer-groups. The study recommends the timely provision of farm credit to enable farmers expand the scope of their farming activities. Increased access to training programs as well as extension education should also be intensified.

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