Information Needs of Sesame Farming Households in Selected Agricultural Zones of Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined information needs of sesame farming households in selected agricultural zones of Katsina state, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting 170 sesame farmers across Katsina state. Data were obtained with the aid of a well-structured interview schedule, and analyzed using percentages, mean, chi-square and PPMC. Results revealed that average age, household size and farm size were 39±11.5, 9.11±5.7 and 2.00±1.78 respectively. Majority were males (95.0%), married (89.3%) and had Quranic education (64.3%). Sesame farmers got information through personal experience (? 2.65), radio/television (? 2.12) as well as friends and neighbour (? 2.09). The most important information needs of respondents were on improved seed varieties (? 2.77), fertilizer and manure application (? 2.75), better storage strategies (? 2.68) and agricultural insurance (? 2.67). The following constraints to accessing information on sesame production were identified, including inadequate extension contact (? 1.92), poor communication network (? 1.87) and lack of agricultural-based television programmes (? 1.68). Farm size (r = -0.178, p = 0.036) had significant relationship with respondents’ information needs. There is the need for extension programme to be revitalized in Katsina State with the aim of addressing the common needs of farmers on economically important crops such as sesame.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n1s1p204