Publication Details
Abstract
This study investigates the factors influencing access to extension services among members of agricultural cooperative societies in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The research focused on the roles of level of awareness, farm size, membership duration, literacy levels, and access to communication channels, and their effect on access to extension services. A descriptive survey design was adopted, employing a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 267 cooperative members selected through random sampling. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics like simple percentages, means, and standard deviations to summarize respondents’ characteristics, and inferential statistics using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to determine the strength and significance of the relationships. The regression results revealed that level of awareness (β = 0.287, p < 0.01), farm size (β = 0.195, p < 0.05), membership duration (β = 0.134, p < 0.05), literacy levels (β = 0.231, p < 0.01), and access to communication channels (β = 0.312, p < 0.01) significantly influence access to extension services among cooperative members. Notably, access to communication channels had the highest positive impact, suggesting that farmers with better access to mobile phones, radio, or television are more likely to utilize extension services effectively. Based on these findings, it is recommended that extension agencies intensify awareness campaigns, leverage communication technologies, and organize training programs to improve literacy and awareness levels. Additionally, policymakers should consider strategies to expand communication infrastructure and tailor extension services to farmers with smaller landholdings and shorter cooperative membership durations to enhance overall access. The study underscores the importance of integrated communication and educational interventions in promoting sustainable agricultural development in the region.