Abstract:
This study appraised the level of attention received by yam farming from extension agents in
Rivers and Imo States, Nigeria. Descriptive survey was employed to examine the respondents
from the selected extension agencies providing the agricultural services in the two States. A
proportionate random sampling was engaged to select five hundred and eighty-seven contact
farmers. Data used in this study were obtained through the administration of a planned
questionnaire designed in a four point Likert type rating scales. Descriptive statistics such as
percentage and weighted mean scores were used to analyze the data, while Z – test was the
inferential statistics used to test the hypothesis at 5% level of significance. The findings showed
that majority of the respondents in the study areas were middle adult (46 years old), married men
(60.80%) and were more of part-time (58%) farmers. It indicated a mean annual income of
N150,835.00 for the farmers in the areas of study. It also showed that: planting of improved
varieties (M = 3.13), minisett technique for yam production (M = 3.11) and planting crops in
rows (GM = 3.10), amidst other practices have received adequate attention in yam farming.
However, the same result uncovered harvesting strategies of yam (GM = 2.45), nursery practices
in yam production (GM = 2.41), organic farming technique (GM = 1.99) and zero staking (GM =
1.34) as aspects of yam farming that have not received adequate attention in the areas. The study
therefore recommended among others that: 1) Government should show more concern and make
policies that will favour yam production in these States, 2) Only competent and dedicated
extension agents should be employed in the field of agriculture to handle technical extension
services especially in yam farming without leaving any part of yam farming untouched in these
two States and 3) Let feasible rewards for distinguished extension agents be invoked to
encourage hard work among extension agents in these two States.
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