Abstract

Agricultural extension is an aspect of agricultural science that deals with the education of farmer. Involving the dissemination of new innovations and government policies and identify the problems of farmers with the aim of finding solution to them. Food security on the other hand, is the availability of food and its dietary content or nutritional balance at a given period of time. This paper highlights on the meaning, methods and functions of agricultural extension services in increasing food security in Nigeria. It includes methods of disseminating new farming techniques to farmers and their examples such as individual contact method, group contact method and the mass media method. The paper also outlines the concept of food security and its implications in Nigeria. Some limiting factors that hinder the growth of agricultural extension services that significantly decrease the level of food security in Nigeria. The study focuses on five major problems. These includes; low level of literacy among farmer, economic instability, lack of co-ordination and liaison service between researchers, farmer and extension agents, inadequate subject matter specialists and negligence of famer in forming co-operative societies. Conclusion was drawn and the following recommendations were given which if adhered to, can proffer possible solutions to the problems such as. Government and agricultural non-governmental organizations should organize agricultural extension programmes, Government, chieftains and entrepreneurs should endeavor to provide farmers with incentives. Government should improve on organized and articulated agricultural extension programmes through proper co-ordination and liaison service between farmers, researchers and extension agents. Provision of subject matter specialists should be ensured by government and stake holders so as to accomplish the task of agricultural extension in rural setting to achieve food security in Nigeria. The idea of forming co-operative societies among farmers should be encourage since government and other financial institutions considers co-operative body than individual farmer.

Keywords: Agricultural Extension; Food Security; Extension Agents; Innovation; Entrepreneurs; Farming Techniques; Co-operative Societies

Introduction

The term “extension” was derived from the practice of British universities of having one educational programme within the premises of the university and another way from the university was described as ‘extension Education’ [1]. The term extension is broad but naturally a non-formal education discipline. The general goal is to enable people to use scientific and technological information to improve their quality of life. It is called Agricultural extension when it focuses on agriculture. However, it can be used effectively in non agricultural programme area such as rural health, family planning, social work or community development [2]. Agricultural extension work has a venerable, albeit largely unrecorded force in agricultural change, which has been created adapted and developed over the centuries. Today, the organizations and personnel engaged in agricultural activities which seek to enlarge and improve the abilities of farmers to adopt more appropriate and often new practices and adjust to changing conditions and social needs [2].

Agricultural extension is an aspect of agricultural science that has developed some decades ago and it is essential when considering the process of Agricultural transformation and modernization. This is because of its role in acquainting farmers with modern technology in farming. As Agriculture develop from traditional system to modern methods, the role of Agricultural extension becomes more salient and prominent [3]. Agricultural extension is the main way through which most traditional farmers are taught modern methods of farming. A good extension service is essential for Agricultural transformation, modernization and development. Through Agricultural extension, farmers gain an understanding of improved techniques in organizing their production activities. In this vein, farmers who are ready to follow advices of extension agents will improve their well being whose example would be emulated by others. This will used to increase the farming population in a given locality through the process of adoption and diffusion of innovation [3].

In agriculture, the scope of extension is very broad. It is not just a matter of giving the farmers actual knowledge of new research and innovation, but it involves helping them to raise their efficiency. It also encompasses the attempt to change their view about life as well as to convince them and their family to reach and enjoy higher and richer levels of existence [1]. Agricultural research organization normally brings new innovations to the farmers through extension agents. The adoption of innovations or new ideas or techniques in agriculture is not always automatic. Depending on several factors, the rate of adoption of a particular innovation varies with individuals [4].

It is believed that the level of education of most farmers is inadequate. This is why they find it difficult to comprehend, accept and adopt new technology. Agricultural extension is the bed rock upon which modern agriculture relies upon. This is because, agricultural extension agents are the people in the right position to disseminate those findings to farmers through the right channels at a given period of time. Sometimes, it is not all about the extending of new innovations to farmers but the adoption of such technology is what matter most. There are some number of factors that affects the rate of adoption of innovations. These include; level of education of farmers, financial status of farmers, attitude of farmers, size of the farm, presence of extension worker within the farming community and result of demonstration plots. The major factors are; financial status and educational level of farmers. The level of education of most farmers is inadequate, this leads to inability to appropriately apply inputs and technological devices, poor knowledge or skills for farm record and planning, crop protection and soil conservation practices as well as other improved farming techniques. While on the issue of finance, experience have shown that, wealthy farmers are more willing to accept and experiments on new technology than very poor or peasant farmers due to their financial capacity. In other words, technological packages are money demanding and as such, it becomes issues for the poor farmers to obtained. Thereby, making sustainable food security difficult and uncertain to achieve.

There are a number of problems militating against agricultural production activities in Nigeria. Prominent among them is poor extension service. In other words, there are some limiting factors that hinder the growth of agricultural extension services which significantly decrease the level of food security in Nigeria. The study viewed on five major problems, low level of literacy among farmers, economic instability, lack of co-ordination and liaison service between researchers, farmers and extension agents, inadequate subject matter specialists and negligence of farmers in forming co-operative societies.

Concept of Food Security

According to Olaoye (2014) as cited in Aboje [5], the agro-industry plays a vital role in the economic growth and development of any country because of its multiplier effects on the nutrition of the people and the industrial sector economy at large. A strong and efficient agricultural sector enables countries to feed their population. Food security as a concept is rooted in the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) [6] vision of world without hunger. A world in which people are able to, by themselves obtain the types of food they need for an active and healthy life and where social safety nets ensure that those who lack resources still get enough to eat [7]. This position gave rise to the definition of food security adopted by the World Food Summit of November 1996 which states that, food security exists when all people at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their food preferences and dietary needs for active and healthy life. Food security comprises of four dimensions, these include;
i. Availability of food which hinges upon domestic production and /or import;
ii. Access to food which depends on individuals having sufficient resources or entitlements to obtain food;
iii. Utilization of food which is reflected by the quality and diversity of diets and of clean water;
iv. Stability which ensures that food can be accessed by individuals at all times [8].

According to Idris [9] as cited in Aboje [5], food security is a vital perquisite for economic development as studies have shown that, losses in labour productivity due to hunger can cause as much as 6-10% reduction in per-capital Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and that undernourishment in pre-youth and young children is associated with poor cognitive development; resulting in lower productivity and lifetime earnings. According to the United Nation Children’s Fund UNICEF (2006) as cited in Aboje [5], it is estimated that, one third physical and intellectual potential due to micro-nutrient deficiencies is caused by food insecurity. The scenario of food insecurity as worse in Nigeria and most other west African counties were according to Olaoye (2014) as cited in Aboje [5] food production in the last decades has failed to keep up with population increase with the region importing 25% of her grain requirement. What appears like sufficient food available to the local levels does not means that all people are food secured considering the poor nutritional value of food consumed and the high price of staple foods.

There a number of review papers which has deals with the general question of how to feed the growing population in the future (e.g Conway, Grote [10], Le Movel and Forslund [11]). Some 820 million people (or 11% of the current world population) are undernourished in terms of energy intake and 1.3 billion people (17%) suffered from micro- nutrient deficiencies [6]. Most of them live in Asia and Sub-saharan African (SSA). The covid-19 pandemic was expected to further increase the number of vulnerable and food insecure people, especially in SSA. The worldwide recession disturbs global supply chains and will make it more difficult to finance the large food imports some countries especially in SSA deepen on [12,13].

Improved food security will depend on the sustainable use and management of resources, including land and water (especially in Asia), water and nutrients (especially in SSA) while staying within planetary boundaries. Finding the right balance between food and nutritional security, protecting the environment and addressing climate change remain major challenges for sustainable food system and the use as well as management of land and water [14,15].

Today’s food production requires a consumptive water of 6,800km³/ year [16]. To feed the growing world population by 2050 on 3,000 Kcal per person per day, an additional 5,600km³/ year will be required: a maximum of 800km³/year will come from blue water resources (i.e due to irrigation expansion and efficiency improvements) while the remaining 4,800 km3/ year will have to come from new green water resources. The water gap will lead to a food gap and affect global security, if not filled [17].

Agricultural Extension Methods

Agriculture extension methods are channels or mode through which information gets to the farmers through extension agents and back from the farmers to the research institute or organization [3]. Extension methods may be classified to three groups on the basis of number of people they are designed to reach, these are individual method, group method and mass methods [1]. It is important to review these methods so as to determine which method could be adopted in a given rural setting. The success of the extension worker as a teacher depends on his skills in selecting methods and proper usage of the various methods singly or in combination with each other. The various extension methods can be grouped into three with reference to the number of people reached in the target rural community. These methods are individual contact method, group contact method and mass method [3].

Individual Contact Method

The individual contact method includes farm and home visits, aimed at direct contact between farmers and the extension agents. The purpose is to give advice or assistance on a wide range of farm and home problems. In order to succeed, it may require the assistance of volunteer leaders or administrators to arrange meeting so as to develop public relations with organizations and important individuals. Examples of individual methods of disseminating ideas and innovations include home visit farm, telephone call, correspondence, personal letters and result demonstration [4]. Individual methods are used in extension teaching in recognition of the fact that learning is an individual process and that the person influence of the extension worker is an important factor in securing people’s participation in extension activities [1]. In individual contact method and information are passed from extension worker to farmer on individual basis. It is a face-to-face relationship of the extension worker to the farmers or direct contact through some communication media [3].

Group Contact Method

The group method involves the working together with groups of farmers under the supervision of the extension workers. Examples of group methods include: symposia, lectures, debates, group discussion, excursions, group demonstration plots, agricultural show, general meetings, exhibits, tours and field trips, conferences, seminars, workshops, method demonstrations, extension schools and farmer training center [4]. The group contact method involves a collection of individual farmers with common purpose, aim and objective. This method is usually well designed and suited to bring specific information about new practices and innovation in farming [3]. Group method take into account the inclination of the individual to respond to the pressures and opinions of groups in which they participate and listen to the views of others before arriving at a decision about making changes in his farming operations [1].

Mass Media Method

Mass media involve the dissemination of information through special media of communication to the farmers. This method is used to create awereness and interest about new ideas and techniques for the people to know about and adopt the new innovation [4]. Individual and group methods cannot reach everyone who wants or need information unlike mass method [1]. Mass media method is geared towards reaching many people at a given time. It involves the use of radio, television, newspapers, agricultural magazines, agricultural newsletters, extension guides, extension bulletins, journals, film shows, pamphlets, banners, handbills, hand-outs, posters, cinema vans, public address systems, projector and other system geared towards disseminating news through the mass media. It is suitable to attract attention and stimulate the internet and desire of farmers for further information [3].

Roles of Agricultural Extension Services in Promoting Food Security

i. Agricultural extension provide assistance to farmers to help them identify and analyze their production problems and become aware of the opportunity for improvement [1];
ii. The ultimate aim of agricultural extension is to teach farmers improved farm practices and to increase their levels of awareness about new methods of agricultural production [3];
iii. The essence of agricultural extension is to facilitate interplay and nurture synergies within a total information system involving agricultural research, agricultural education and a vest complex of information providing new techniques of farming that will improve food production [2].

Musa et al. [1] identified the following roles of agricultural extension services:
i. It helps farmers to gain managerial abilities for operating a commercial setting by educating them on the knowledge and principles of economics which will ensure adequate and proper utilization of resources;
ii. It changes farmers impression towards their difficulties, and how they can improve the farming practices to boost agricultural productivity;
iii. It develops a systematic process of leadership, since individual farmers cannot solve all their problems themselves, solutions are usually through farmers groups and associations.

Iwena [4] enumerate the following roles agricultural extension services:
i. It teaches farmers improved practices in the cultivation, rearing and processing of crops and livestock;
ii. It helps to collect and collate basic information relating to rural programmes which aimed at achieving food security;
iii. It helps to supervise the beneficiaries of agricultural loans, so as to ensure proper use of resources to what the loan is meant for;
iv. It assists in supervising and evaluating agricultural development programs which if the goal achieved, can serves as a catalyst for achieving food security.

Recommendations

i. Government and agricultural non-governmental organizations should organize agricultural extension programmes towards educating farmers on modern farming techniques. This will enhance to innovate new and improved technologies in farming and increase Food security;
ii. Government, chieftains and entrepreneurs should endeavor to provide farmers with incentives such as loans and subsidies. This will assist in addressing the financial constraint of farmers there by making food security a greater one.;
iii. Government should improve on organized and articulated agricultural extension programmes through proper co-ordination and liaison service between farmers, researchers and extension agents. This will help in bringing unity and smooth runs of extension service towards improving food security;
iv. Provision of subject matter specialists should be ensured by government and stake holders so as to accomplish the task of agricultural extension in rural settings and achieve food security in Nigeria;
v. The idea of forming co-operative societies among farmers should be encouraged, since government and other financial institutions considers co-operative body than individual farmer. This can help to upgrade their production level, have high yield that will ensure food security all round the year [18,19].

Conclusion

Agricultural extension as a scope of agriculture can be regarded as a tool for re-engineering of traditional Agriculture to a modern one. It can be described as a dynamic process which brings about changes in what farmers know, changes in how they react to situations and also changes in what they can do with their hands. In other words, it’s a means by which new discoveries of farming from research institute are disseminated to Farmers through extension agents. However, before a particular information can be transmitted to Farmers, the extension agents have to make use of a method to ensure its successful deliverance. There are various methods by which an innovation can be pass through. These include; individual contact method, group contact method and mass media method. The use of the aforementioned methods depends on the following factors; the socioeconomic status of farmers, how the extension service is been sponsored, population rate of the farmers, among others. If extension agents will discharge their duty diligently and effectively, there is tendency for farmers to attain efficient food production, which will eventually lead to increased yield and productivity, thereby ensuring food security. There are many factors that are responsible for food security, prominent among them is effective and efficient Agricultural extension services. Due to enormous challenges facing Agricultural extension services in Nigeria, it makes it difficult for an extension services to play its desired roles and as well achieve its expected goals. Some of the challenges include; low level of literacy among farmers, economic instability, lack of coordination between farmers, researchers and extension agents, inadequate subject matter specialists and negligence of farmers in forming cooperative societies. Therefore, there is need to overcome the above challenges in order to achieve food security which can help to alleviate hunger and malnutrition.

Acknowledgment

We acknowledge all the authors of this work for their contributions.

References

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