INFORMATION NEEDS OF WILDLIFE HUNTERS IN KWARA STATE: IMPLICATION FOR EXTENSION SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Access to accurate, timely and reliable information has crucial roles in production efficiency of wildlife hunters. An understanding of information needs could propel actors in the agricultural information business to provide information that will meet the needs. To this end, the present study investigated the information needs of wildlife hunters in Kwara State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents for the study. Primary data collected with the use of interview schedule were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The result revealed that hunters’ group (M = 2.48) and consultation with older/experienced hunters (M = 2.02) were the prominent channels of information accessible to the hunters. Information on market situation (M = 2.16), games search techniques and ethics (M = 2.07) and hunting locations (M = 1.98) were the major areas of information needs of the hunters. Also, lack of awareness of extension information source (M = 1.96), inaccessibility of extension workers (M = 1.86) and trust of the information source (M = 1.79) were the major identified obstacles to accessing information from extension channels. The study further showed that age of the hunters, level of education and years of experience have a significant relationship with their information needs at p < 0.05. The study concluded that the hunters have ample information needs and recommends that an arm of extension service operation should be devoted to wildlife with the mandate of hunters’ education on vital areas of wildlife management for improved livelihood.

Keywords

• bushmeat
• hunting location
• market situation
• information source