Effect of social stratification on extension-farmer contact among poultry farmers in Delta state, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out in Delta State, Nigeria to determine the effect of social stratification on extension - farmer contact among poultry farmers. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select 108 poultry farmers for the study. The data were collected with the use of questionnaire and structured interview schedule. Data collected were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to test the hypotheses. The result of the study showed that the variables of wealth, occupation, family ancestry, religion, level of education, gender and farm size were used to determine class structure. There were differences in frequency of contact between extension agents and farmers based on farm size and level of education. Hypothesis 1 (there is no significant difference in the frequency of extension-farmer contact between small, medium and large scale poultry farmers) showed significant difference in frequency of contact among group of poultry farmers (F=8.583). Hypothesis 2 (there is no significant difference in frequency of extension contact with poultry farmers based on farm size and level of education as class determinants) indicated that the level of education, farm size, marital status and income influence contact between farmers and extension agents. It was recommended that extension agents should endeavour to give equal treatment to every class of poultry farmers, more extension agents should be employed by Delta State Agricultural Development Programme (DTADP) and the DTADP should set up inspectorate/supervisory committee that will make sure that every class of farmers is adequately visited.