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Effect of Agricultural Extension Services on Farmers’ Adoption of Degraded Land Rehabilitation Practices

Abstract

The study will examine the effect of agricultural extension services on farmers’ adoption of degraded land rehabilitation practices. Degraded agricultural land can experience declining soil fertility, erosion, loss of vegetation, reduced moisture retention, and decreasing productive capacity. Adoption of appropriate rehabilitation practices is therefore important for restoring soil productivity, improving land condition, and supporting sustainable agricultural production. The study will focus on farmers’ adoption of degraded land rehabilitation practices, including erosion control, organic matter restoration, mulching, cover cropping, agroforestry, soil amendment, vegetation establishment, contour farming, and other suitable techniques for restoring degraded farmland. It will also examine the role of agricultural extension services in providing farmers with technical information, practical demonstrations, farm visits, and guidance on selecting and applying appropriate land rehabilitation practices. A descriptive survey research design will be adopted for the study. The population will comprise farmers in the selected study area, from whom a representative sample will be selected using an appropriate sampling procedure. Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire designed to obtain information on farmers’ exposure to agricultural extension services and their adoption of degraded land rehabilitation practices. The data collected will be analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and an appropriate inferential statistical technique. The study is expected to reveal the level of farmers’ exposure to agricultural extension services and the extent to which they adopt recommended degraded land rehabilitation practices. It is also expected to identify areas where farmers demonstrate adequate or inadequate adoption, particularly in relation to erosion control, soil fertility restoration, vegetation management, organic matter improvement, and soil moisture conservation. The findings will be useful to agricultural extension officers, agricultural development agencies, environmental management institutions, farmers’ organizations, and policymakers by providing information on the contribution of agricultural extension services to the rehabilitation of degraded agricultural land. The findings may also assist extension personnel in developing practical training programmes and field demonstrations that promote sustainable land restoration and management. The study will conclude that agricultural extension services can provide farmers with relevant knowledge and technical guidance needed to improve the adoption of degraded land rehabilitation practices. It will recommend regular extension education, practical demonstrations, farm visits, and technical support on erosion control, soil restoration, vegetation establishment, organic matter management, and other appropriate rehabilitation techniques to encourage sustainable management of degraded farmland.

Keywords: Agricultural extension services, farmers, degraded land, land rehabilitation, soil restoration, land degradation, erosion control, soil fertility, organic matter, vegetation management, mulching, cover cropping, agroforestry, sustainable land management, agricultural production.