Journal of Agricultural Extension (Mar 2015)
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: THE IMPACT OF EXTENSION SERVICES ON PESTICIDE PRODUCTIVITY AND DEMAND AMONG COCOA FARMERS IN IFE ZONE
Abstract
This study examined the role played by the extension system in pesticide demand by cocoa farmers and the effect of extension information on pesticide productivity in cocoa agriculture. Date were obtained from a cross -section of cocoa farmers in Ife South and Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State. The farmers were divided into two groups on basis of farmers' contact with extension system: farmers visited by extension agents (FV) and those not visited (FNV). Production and pesticide demand analyses were carried out for each group.Production function analysis showed that extension service has no significant effect on pesticide productivity. Pesticide demand analysis showed that FV were more responsive to changes in economic environment than FNV. Demand for pesticides by FV is elastic with respect to farm size, unit price of chemical and product price while that of FNV is generally inelastic.
