Factors influencing Farmers Participation in Farmers'Field School in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the effects of Farmers' Field School (FFS) on cocoa productivity inOndoStates, Nigeria. Data were collected by means of well-structured questionnaire from 90 FFS farmers and non-FFS farmers. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and probit regressionmethod. The result shows that in the selection model for Cocoa farmers in Ondo Statethe only significant variable determining FFS participations were age (P<0.001).  In addition, only gender is correlatedpositively with the FFS participation probability.  It should however be noted that FFS participation probability negatively correlated with extension, education andage.Farmers'field school had significant effects on the productivity of cocoa farming in the study area. The study recommended that government should put more effort on ways to attract and encourage young people who are agile and aggressive in farming business, and that FFS agricultural extension approach should be promoted in the studyarea.