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Effect of Extension Training on Farmers’ Adoption of Fruit Tree Grafting Practices

Abstract

The study examines the effect of extension training on farmers’ adoption of fruit tree grafting practices. Fruit tree grafting is an important horticultural technique that involves joining parts of compatible plants to establish a productive and desirable tree. The practice can support the propagation of improved fruit varieties, shorten the period to fruit production, and maintain desirable characteristics of selected fruit trees. Extension training can provide farmers with practical knowledge and skills required for carrying out grafting successfully and managing grafted trees. The study will assess farmers’ exposure to extension training on fruit tree grafting and examine the extent to which farmers adopt recommended grafting practices. It will also identify the major grafting techniques known and used by farmers and determine the types of training received on graft selection, preparation of scion and rootstock materials, grafting procedures, aftercare, and management of grafted plants. The study will consider practices such as selection of healthy planting materials, proper preparation of grafting surfaces, correct alignment of graft components, appropriate tying and protection of graft unions, and post-grafting care. A descriptive survey design will be adopted for the study. The population will comprise fruit tree farmers in the selected study area, from whom respondents will be selected using an appropriate sampling procedure. Data will be collected through a structured questionnaire administered to the sampled farmers. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation will be used to analyze the data, while an appropriate inferential statistical technique will be employed to determine the effect of extension training on farmers’ adoption of fruit tree grafting practices. The study is expected to reveal the level of farmers’ participation in extension training on fruit tree grafting and the extent of their adoption of recommended practices. It is also expected to identify the commonly adopted grafting techniques and the major challenges farmers encounter during graft preparation, joining, and aftercare. The findings may further indicate areas where additional practical training and technical support are required to improve farmers’ grafting skills. The study will be useful to agricultural extension officers, horticultural development agencies, policymakers, and farmers’ organizations by providing information on the role of extension training in promoting fruit tree grafting. The findings may assist extension personnel in designing practical training programmes and field demonstrations that improve farmers’ knowledge and skills in grafting techniques. Improved adoption of appropriate grafting practices may contribute to better propagation of improved fruit varieties and increased efficiency in fruit tree production. The study will conclude by assessing the contribution of extension training to farmers’ adoption of appropriate fruit tree grafting practices. Based on the findings, the study will recommend regular practical training, field demonstrations, nursery-based learning activities, and improved access to technical information on grafting. These measures may enhance farmers’ ability to apply suitable grafting techniques and support sustainable fruit tree production.

Keywords: Extension training, fruit tree grafting, farmers’ adoption, grafting practices, fruit production, horticulture, scion selection, rootstock selection, grafting techniques, graft management, agricultural extension, nursery management, fruit tree propagation, improved varieties, Nigeria.