ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AGENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

The study was on impact of Agricultural Extension Agent in the Development of Agriculture in Rivers State. The specific objectives of the study are to determine the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents examine the role of agricultural extension agents, examine the various agricultural extension programmes and examine the challenges of agricultural extension agents. Data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire and oral interview administered in the study area. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics such as tables, frequency distribution and percentages. The result from this study showed that the majority 40% were between the ages of 40-49 years participate actively in the agricultural activities. Married respondents constitutes the highest percentage of the agricultural extension agents 70% while single 15%, widow/widower are 10% and divorced are 5%, the majority of the respondents had Higher institution 100% respectively. The result from the aim of Agricultural Extension Agents shows that about 45% of the respondents stated to bring information to the farmers concerning new innovation. The project identified some problems that affects Agricultural Extension agents such as inadequate finance, lack of incentive to extension workers and inadequate teaching aid. Based on the results and findings during the course of this research the following were recommended the number of extension workers that visit the farmers should be increased and their efforts intensified so that they will be able to reach all the farmers and solve their problems and government should increase awareness of agricultural programme on the benefit and uses so that farmers can easily adopt it.