ASSESSMENT OF AQUACULTURE EXTENSION INNOVATION DISSEMINATION AMONG FISH FARMERS IN IBI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TARABA STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed aquaculture extension innovation dissemination among fish farmers in Ibi Local Government Area, Taraba State Nigeria.  A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select respondents using a structured questionnaire and scheduled interview. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings from the study revealed that most fish farmers were males (58.2%), married (60%), 25.5% were less than 25 years, and 36.4% earned ₦201,000 - ₦300,000 annually.  Only 50% of the fish farmers knew the extension agents in their area. Extension agents visit the fish farmers monthly (30.0%), the frequency of innovation dissemination showed that 37.3% fish farmers do not receive innovation at all. Group demonstration (=3.10) and mass media (=2.87) were mostly used by extension agents, while political affiliation (=3.36) and Government policy (=3.34), were major constraints to effective extension service delivery.  Mass media was commonly used by the extension agents; field trip was effective and preferred by the fish farmers for dissemination of innovation. Significant relationship existed between the socio-economic characteristics and extension service dissemination methods among the fish farmers (p<0.05). The frequency of innovation dissemination was low among the fish farmers and they preferred group demonstration. The study therefore recommended that government should employ more aquaculture extension Officers to intensify adequate programmes that will improve fish farming methods to be adopted in order to increase productivity in the study area