Using Linkage Mechanism in Community Development Activities in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the effectiveness of linkage mechanism in community development activities (CDAs) in Edo State Nigeria using Data collection through structured questionnaire administration to157 local leaders and 31 extension agents. Results shows obtained show that informal linkage mechanisms like social gathering (18.5% and 22.6%) was very low among local leaders and extension agents while 21.0% of local leaders and all (100%) sampled extension agents used community visits and joint problem identification. Majority (66.6% and 75.0%) of local leaders and extension agents perceived use of linkage mechanisms effective in community development activities. 77.1% of local leaders and 77.4% of the extension agents indicated incompatibility of government policies as serious(% ≥ 50) constraint in the use of linkage mechanism in CDAs by local leaders and the extension agents. Significant difference existed between effectiveness of linkage mechanisms between local leaders ( = 43.15) and extension agents ( = 21.86) in facilitating community development activities in the study area as t-test value obtained was 6.72. The study recommends effective linkage mechanism in community development activities; community developers encouraged and assisted through the formulation of compatible policies which would enhance and promote use of linkage mechanisms in community development activities/efforts.

Keywords

• Agricultural economics;
• agricultural extension services;
• Linkage mechanism