UTILIZATION OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY SERVICES AMONG WOMEN FARMERS IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Utilization of Agricultural Advisory Services (AAS) is essential for improving agricultural productivity; however, women farmers often face constraints in accessing and effectively using these services. This study examined the utilization of public and private agricultural advisory services among women farmers in Southwestern Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 307 respondents. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering socioeconomic characteristics, types of AAS available, delivery methods, level of utilization, and constraints. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logit regression, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mean age of respondents was 46.99±12.22 years, with an average household size of 6.63±2.93 persons. Value addition in maize (65.8%) was the most available services under public and digital marketing (75.2%) under private sector AAS. More than half (54.5%) of public AAS users recorded low utilization. Cash shortage and high cost of inputs were major constraints. Group delivery method (β=2.50) and monthly income (β=0.01) significantly influenced utilization of public and private AAS, respectively. The study recommended the need to strengthen participatory delivery approaches and improve women’s income capacity to enhance effective utilization of agricultural advisory services.