Extension Professionals' Perception of Privatisation and Commercialisation of Agricultural Extension Service in Enugu State Agricultural Development Programme

Abstract

The study was designed to ascertain the perception held by extension professionals - field extension workers and extension administrators, of the privatisation and commercialisation of agricultural extension service. A semi -structured interview schedule was used to elicit information from 117 respondents on their perceptions to privatisation and commercialisation of extension service and the differences between the perceptions held by extension administrators and field extension workers. A 4 -point Likert -type scale with 15 items was used to ascertain these perceptions. Data were analysed using percentages, mean scores, standard deviations and t -test statistics. The study reveals that the respondents have a positive perception towards the privatisation and commercialisation of agricultural extension service. it equally shows that there are significant differences in the perception held by field extension workers and extension administrators as regards the statements; private extension services breeds corruption and nepotism, leads to foreign domination, leads to income inequality and leads to poor capacity building. The study concludes that as a result of the positive perception held by the extension professionals to privatisation and commercialisation, there should be increased participation of the private sector in agricultural extension services in Nigeria.

Keywords

• Extension Personnel
• Perception
• Privatisation