Agricultural extension and poverty alleviation: problems and challenges in a democratic and deregulated economy

Abstract

The paper notes that despite many approaches adopted by various governments in Nigeria to improve the welfare of the masses, the number ofpeople who live in impoverished conditions has continued to rise. It then deliberates on the overview of the problems, growth and development of agriculture in Nigeria, examines poverty alleviation principles and challenges for agricultural extension. The roles that could be played by governments at alleviating poverty through supportfor agriculture andagricultural extension are articulatedin thepaper. The conclusion reaches is that poverty alleviation in contemporary Nigeria required that government at all levels should redirect efforts at various agricultural institutions, programmes and activities and encourage private investment through which agricultural productivity andefficiency can be significantly improved through improvedagricultural extension services.

Keywords

• Agricultural extension
• poverty alleviation
• democratic and deregulated economy