Agricultural extension services and food security in Mangu, Quanpan and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study set out to investigate agricultural extension services and food security in Mangu, Quanpan and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria. Adopting the mixed methods research strategy, the study employed the purposive sampling technique, used questionnaire and Key Informant Interview as instruments of data collection. The sample population of the study was 30 for KII and 381 for the quantitative aspect of the study. Further, the research used Modernisation theory as its theoretical framework. Findings show that agricultural extension services in the three local governments studied have been ineffective. This is as a result of number of challenges, which include weak monitoring and evaluation mechanism, corruption and lack of effective research and development. Others are decaying infrastructure and facilities such as storage facilities, light, roads, poor transport system, low level of education among farmers, lack of effective policy and strategic planning implementation among others. The researcher recommends that the Plateau state government and local governments should strengthen funding for better promotion of agricultural extension services. There is need to also address infrastructure deficits such as transportation, improve the digital knowledge of the farmers among others.