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Effect of Extension Training on Farmers’ Adoption of Hibiscus Production Practices

Abstract

Hibiscus production is an important agricultural activity that can contribute to household income, employment creation, food and beverage production, and diversification of farming enterprises. The crop is valued for its flowers, which are used in the preparation of beverages and other products, creating opportunities for smallholder farmers. However, successful hibiscus production requires appropriate knowledge of land preparation, seed selection, planting, spacing, soil fertility management, weed control, pest management, harvesting, and postharvest handling. Extension training can provide farmers with practical knowledge and technical skills needed to improve their production practices. This study will examine the effect of extension training on farmers’ adoption of hibiscus production practices. The study will assess farmers’ exposure to extension training, determine their level of knowledge of recommended hibiscus production practices, and examine the extent to which training influences their adoption of improved production techniques. It will also assess the frequency of training and the practical information provided to farmers during extension activities. The study will focus on extension training, hibiscus production practices, farmers’ knowledge, training participation, seed selection, land preparation, planting methods, spacing, soil fertility management, weed control, pest management, irrigation practices, harvesting, drying, storage, and adoption of recommended production techniques. Information will be obtained from hibiscus farmers to determine their level of exposure to extension training and the extent to which the knowledge acquired is applied in their farming activities. A quantitative research approach will be adopted for the study. Data will be collected from selected hibiscus farmers using structured questionnaires and appropriate field observation methods. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions, percentages, means, and standard deviations will be used to summarize the data, while correlation and regression analysis will be used to examine the relationship between extension training and farmers’ adoption of hibiscus production practices. The study is expected to reveal that extension training may improve farmers’ knowledge and adoption of recommended hibiscus production practices. Farmers who participate regularly in practical training, demonstrations, and advisory sessions may demonstrate greater adoption of improved seed selection, planting, spacing, soil fertility management, weed control, pest management, harvesting, drying, and storage practices. The study may also indicate that the practical nature and frequency of extension training influence farmers’ ability to apply recommended production techniques effectively. The study will be useful to hibiscus farmers, agricultural extension agents, agricultural development agencies, researchers, agricultural cooperatives, non-governmental organizations, and policymakers. It may provide useful information for improving extension programmes designed to support hibiscus production and strengthen farmers’ technical capacity. The findings may also assist extension personnel in identifying specific production and postharvest practices that require greater attention during farmer training activities. The study concludes that extension training is an important source of technical knowledge and practical support for improving farmers’ adoption of hibiscus production practices. It is therefore recommended that agricultural extension agencies strengthen regular farmer training, practical demonstrations, farm visits, and follow-up advisory services for hibiscus producers. Extension programmes should emphasize improved planting materials, appropriate crop management, harvesting, drying, and storage practices to promote efficient and sustainable hibiscus production.

Keywords: Extension training, hibiscus production, hibiscus farmers, production practices, farmers’ adoption, agricultural extension, farmer knowledge, seed selection, planting practices, soil fertility management, weed control, pest management, harvesting, postharvest handling, farmer training.