Title: Effectiveness of Shadez Agrotainment Programme in Technology Transfer Among Rural Farmers in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State
Authors: Ihunwo, B.C., Manoah, E.A., and Kinika, J.
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
Pages: 286-294
Publication Date: 2025/01/28
Abstract:
This study examined effectiveness of the Shadez Agrotainment Programme in Technology Transfer among Rural Farmers in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. Data were collected from 80 rural farmers drawn from the study area using multistage sampling techniques. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages and mean. Results from the study showed that majority (57.1%) of the farmers were females and that 46.8% of the farmers were between the ages of 20-29yrs. 61.0% of the farmers were married with and average household size of 5 persons. The farmers had an average monthly income of ?124,850 and average farm size of 1.8 hectares, with personal savings being the major source of income (62.3%). Types of agricultural information on technologies aired through Shadez Radio-Agricultural farmers Programme were improved crop varieties (94.8%) and Fertilizer Application (90.9%) and fish farming techniques (81.8%). Also, the rural farmers perceived relevance of the technologies transferred by the Shadez Agrotainment Programme included that Information provided by Shadez Agrotainment Programme have being useful in my price bargaining in marketing of agricultural produce (x ? = 3.31), programme addresses my information needs (x ? = 3.25), Information derived from the programme has contributed to the development of new market for my produce (x ? = 3.09). The effectiveness of the programme in transferring technologies were fertilizer application (x ?=3.42) and improved crop varieties with fish farming technique (x ?=3.09). The major constraints identified by the farmers in technology transfer through Shadez Agrotainment Programme includes poor power supply (x ?=3.70), lack of visual content (x ?=3.03), and Lack of feedback from farmers (x ?=2.92). Based on the findings, the study concluded that the Shadez Radio-Agricultural Programme plays a significant role in technology transfer among rural farmers, with particular effectiveness in promoting practices such as fertilizer application and improved crop varieties. It was recommended that to overcome the limitations of radio as an audio-only medium, the program could be complemented with visual aids through other platforms, such as mobile applications, social media, or community-based demonstrations.