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Effect of Extension Education on Farmers’ Adoption of Local Seed Selection Criteria

Abstract

Local seed selection involves the identification and selection of suitable seeds from locally available crop varieties based on characteristics that support successful crop production. Farmers may consider seed size, colour, maturity, physical condition, health, viability, varietal characteristics, and previous field performance when selecting seeds for planting. Extension education can provide farmers with relevant knowledge and practical guidance on appropriate seed selection criteria, thereby supporting the maintenance of quality planting materials and improved crop establishment. This study will examine the effect of extension education on farmers’ adoption of local seed selection criteria. It will assess farmers’ exposure to extension education on seed selection, determine the extent to which farmers adopt recommended local seed selection criteria, and examine how extension education influences farmers’ practices in identifying and selecting suitable seeds for planting. The study will focus on extension education, seed selection criteria, seed size, seed colour, seed maturity, seed health, seed viability, seed purity, physical appearance, varietal characteristics, previous crop performance, and selection of seeds from healthy plants. It will also examine farmers’ adoption of practices involving the removal of damaged or diseased seeds and the proper handling and storage of selected seeds before planting. A quantitative research approach will be adopted for the study. Data will be collected from farmers using structured questionnaires to assess their exposure to extension education and adoption of local seed selection criteria. The data will be analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, standard deviation, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to determine the relationship between extension education and farmers’ adoption of appropriate seed selection criteria. The study is expected to reveal that extension education may have a significant effect on farmers’ adoption of local seed selection criteria. Farmers who receive relevant extension information and practical training may demonstrate greater adoption of criteria relating to seed health, viability, physical quality, varietal characteristics, maturity, and previous field performance. The study may also identify specific seed selection practices where farmers require additional extension education and technical guidance. The study will be useful to farmers, agricultural extension agents, seed producers, agricultural research institutions, community seed organisations, government agricultural agencies, policymakers, and researchers. It may provide useful information for designing extension programmes that strengthen farmers’ capacity to select quality local seeds. The findings may also assist farmers in maintaining desirable local crop varieties, reducing the use of poor-quality planting materials, and improving crop establishment and farm productivity. The study concludes that extension education can provide important knowledge and practical skills for improving farmers’ adoption of local seed selection criteria. It is therefore recommended that agricultural extension programmes provide practical training on seed quality characteristics, seed health, viability, purity, varietal selection, identification of healthy planting materials, and proper handling of selected seeds to strengthen farmers’ local seed management practices.

Keywords: Extension education, farmers, local seed selection, seed selection criteria, seed quality, seed health, seed viability, seed purity, local crop varieties, planting materials, seed management, varietal characteristics, crop production, agricultural extension, farmer adoption.